Ludhiana: For this city’s 7.5 lakh registered households, the “reserve LPG cylinder” has become a luxury. New restrictions intended to prevent hoarding have effectively capped consumption, allowing only a single cylinder per booking. From family gatherings to daily meals, the city is learning to cook with caution as authorities attempt to bridge the gap between volatile Middle East supplies and local dinner tables.It’s a recipe for uncertainty in Ludhiana’s restaurants and hotels as well. With domestic cooking gas now the national priority, commercial LPG deliveries have been pushed to the back burner, leaving chefs with just five to seven days of stock. As global supply chains tighten, the local hospitality sector is praying for a resolution before the wedding season turns up the heat on demand.As geopolitical tensions in the Middle East begin to ripple through local energy supply chains, authorities maintain that stocks are stable, even as a shift in distribution patterns has led to “panic booking”. Traditionally, cylinders were delivered within 48 to 72 hours; however, many residents now report waiting significantly longer.The ‘One-Cylinder’ LimitUnder new localised protocols, domestic consumers are reportedly restricted to booking only one cylinder at a time, with a mandatory 25-day cooling-off period before a fresh order can be placed. The tightening of supply follows the Central government’s invocation of the Essential Commodities Act, 1955. This move prioritises residential cooking gas over industrial use during periods of global uncertainty, allowing the state to regulate production and distribution to prevent hoarding.Hospitality Sector Under PressureWhile households are navigating “one-at-a-time” limits, Ludhiana’s vibrant restaurant and hotel sector faces a more immediate crisis. Commercial LPG releases have been curtailed, leaving many establishments with less than a week’s worth of stock. “Most establishments currently have stock for around five to seven days,” said Amarvir Singh, joint secretary of the Federation of Hotel and Restaurant Associations of India. “While commercial booking hasn’t stopped completely, deliveries are certainly delayed. We are fortunate this is not the peak wedding season.”Prioritising Essential ServicesOil Marketing Companies (OMCs), including Indian Oil Corporation, have formed a high-level committee of executive directors to review industrial supply. The top priority is hospitals, clinics, and educational institutions. Non-domestic sectors are being handled on a case-by-case basis through formal representations.Official Stance: ‘Don’t Panic’District food and supplies controller Sartaj Singh Cheema urged residents to remain calm, stating that the domestic supply line remains intact despite the procedural changes. “The situation is under control,” Cheema said. “Domestic LPG supply is continuing and cylinders are being supplied regularly. Residents should avoid speculative bookings.”Despite these assurances, the mood on the ground remains cautious. Residents like Aman Verma note that even minor family gatherings are now difficult to manage. “We usually keep two cylinders, but struggling to book even one during a family function shows how tight things have become,” Verma said.
