Mangaluru: Even as concerns grow over the ongoing LPG shortage in the region, the department of Food and Civil Supplies in Dakshina Kannada has clarified that there is no disruption in the supply of domestic LPG cylinders.D Nagaraj, the deputy director of food and civil supplies, told TOI bookings of commercial LPG cylinders has been temporarily stopped, leading to difficulties for hotels, temples, and other establishments that depend on bulk cylinders for daily operations. However, households need not worry, as the supply of domestic LPG remains unaffected. Only the minimum LPG cylinder booking window has increased from 21 days to 25 days, he clarified. “With regard to the supply of domestic LPG cylinders, there is no short supply in our district. The central govt stopped the supply of LPG cylinders to commercial establishments. Hence, the supply of commercial LPG cylinders is likely to be affected until the issue is solved,” he said. Dakshina Kannada district has 6,22,454 domestic LPG connections, and the department did not receive any complaints regarding delay or disruption in supply, though there is a problem with the 38,787 commercial connections, the officer added. Meanwhile, many commercial connection holders have complained they were forced to use firewood to keep their businesses running. Shops selling firewood in the city reported brisk business since the start of the LPG crisis. A seller said firewood sales were down with households, restaurants, and catering services opting for LPG. However, in the last few days, there was good demand for firewood. Split wood is currently being sold at Rs 1,000 per 100 kg, sources said. Sufficient Stock in Udupi Deputy commissioner Swaroopa T K said there is sufficient stock of household cooking gas in Udupi district. The DC chaired a meeting of LPG agencies in Manipal Thursday. She said in the district, most household users have two gas connections. Priority should be given to supplying gas to those with a single cylinder. She warned of strict action against illegal sale, storage, collection, and transportation of household and commercial cylinders.
