Bengaluru: Karnataka Food and Civil Supplies Minister K H Muniyappa has announced that the state has begun receiving additional LPG cylinders following a high-level meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Chief Ministers to review the nationwide LPG shortage situation.
Addressing the media, the minister said that the Centre has agreed to increase the supply of commercial LPG cylinders to Karnataka up to 68% of pre-crisis levels, providing significant relief to sectors that were severely impacted due to supply constraints.
He stated that the enhanced supply has come into effect immediately and that distribution will be carried out based on priority and demand across sectors. As part of the revised allocation system, essential services have been given top priority.
Hospitals, educational institutions and hostels will receive assured supply, with around 4,200 cylinders allocated daily. Government institutions, including public sector units, as well as canteens at airports, railway stations and bus stands, will be supplied approximately 1,200 cylinders per day.
The hospitality sector, which was among the worst affected during the shortage, has been given a major boost. The government has increased daily allocation for hotels, restaurants, dhabas, KMF dairies, community kitchens and PG facilities from 10,000 cylinders earlier to 17,500 cylinders now.
In addition, sectors such as agriculture, seed processing, fisheries, poultry and sericulture have been allocated around 6,000 cylinders daily. Other essential needs will be met with an additional allocation of 563 cylinders.
Overall, the state will now distribute approximately 29,463 commercial LPG cylinders daily under the revised system.
Muniyappa also issued a stern warning to LPG distributors against overpricing and creating artificial shortages. He said that any agency found selling cylinders above the government-fixed price or indulging in illegal refilling and black marketing will face strict legal action, including cancellation of licences.
The minister revealed that enforcement agencies have already registered 27 FIRs, booked over 1,169 cases and seized 1,603 cylinders in action against misuse and illegal diversion of domestic LPG cylinders for commercial purposes.
Addressing public concerns, Muniyappa urged citizens not to panic or resort to panic buying. He assured that domestic LPG supply remains stable, with deliveries scheduled within 25 days in urban areas and 45 days in rural regions through authorised distributors.
He noted that the LPG shortage was triggered by global developments, particularly the ongoing conflict in West Asia, which disrupted supply chains across the country. However, continuous coordination between the state and the Centre has helped stabilise the situation.
The minister reiterated that the government is closely monitoring supply and will ensure that all sectors receive LPG as per their requirements, while taking strict action against any malpractice in distribution.
