Chandigarh: Even though concerns about rising LPG prices and supply uncertainty are growing among residents and businesses, oil companies maintain there is sufficient stock.Traders and vendors say commercial LPG cylinders have become both costlier and harder to procure. According to Sanjeev Chadha, president of the market association, several businesses are not receiving full supply. “We are not getting commercial cylinders regularly. Around 30% of traders are receiving fewer cylinders, while some are not getting any at all. Because of this, some vendors have started using diesel as an alternative,” Chadha said.Sweet shop owners have also reported difficulties, saying that they have faced both shortages and steep price rise. “Earlier, a cylinder used to cost around Rs 1,300 after subsidy. Now, it has gone up to nearly Rs 1,900, which is about Rs 600 more. Even after paying a higher price, many people are not getting cylinders on time,” a shop owner said.Citizens have also raised broader concerns about the possibility of further disruptions if the ongoing war situation stretches longer.Hitesh Puri, chairman of Crawfed, said the uncertainty has created anxiety among residents. “There is concern among people about measures in place if the war continues for a longer period and what comes next. Already, there is a hike in domestic cylinder prices,” he said.However, officials from Indian Oil assured that domestic LPG supplies remain stable.A senior Indian Oil official said over 80% of LPG bookings are made online and that a 25-day gap between bookings is just to streamline distribution. “There is no issue with domestic supply. We have sufficient stock available and there is no need for people to panic,” the official said.Gas agencies in Mohali and Panchkula said there is no shortage for domestic consumers. Although there are some restrictions for commercial consumers, presently bookings are normal and are continuing online. Petrol pump dealers also said there is no shortage of fuel at present.Hospitality industry on tenterhooks Hoteliers and restaurant owners expressed apprehension over the supply of commercial LPG cylinders.The Middle East conflict is already starting to add to the costs for the hospitality industry as the effective price of commercial cylinders rises.Ankit Gupta, president of Chandigarh Hospitality Association, said, “Supply of LPG cylinders is available, though the dealers have stopped giving bulk discounts, which are generally available for bulk commercial purchases. Dealers stopped giving discounts a few days after the conflict started. Presently, hotels and restaurants are managing within these constraints. But the longer the conflict lasts, the greater the problems for the hospitality industry.“Chandigarh Hotel Association chairperson Manmohan S Kohli said, “Most of the major hotels have shifted to PNG supply. Currently, there are no issues with PNG supply. But for the smaller restaurants and eateries (dhabas), availability of commercial cylinders is becoming an issue of concern. If hostilities continue, then gas supply will become a concern for all.”A prominent city-based restaurant owner, who did not want to be named, said, “The govt should intervene immediately as it seems some retailers are creating issues with availability of commercial cylinders. Currently, there are stocks with most restaurants, but if local suppliers continue to be stingy, then we may soon face problems. This will surely lead to shutting of restaurants. It will start impacting the hospitality and tourism industry, which will ultimately impact employment generation if the administration does not immediately stop any scope of profiteering on the part of the suppliers.“
