The brewing tensions among Iran, Israel and the United States has started to leave an impact on India affecting LPG gas prices and supply in particular. As per the recent reports, the prices of petrol and diesel remain unaffected as of now, but the prices of LPG cylinders have increased across the country.
Reports also indicate that the prices of LPG cylinders have increased across the country with the domestic LPG cylinders getting ₹60 costlier while the commercial cylinders surging by ₹115.
The supply of 19 kg, 47 kg and 500 kg LPG cylinders has been affected in Jalandhar, according to HP Gas supplier and agency owner Jarnail Singh Randhawa. These cylinders are mainly used by hotels, dhabas and industries, leading to concerns among business owners.
Randhawa shares that the plant has temporarily stopped supply of commercial cylinders, which could create problems for businesses dependent on LPG. However, he clarified that domestic LPG supply is not likely to face major issues, as the government ensures its availability. Talking further he explains that hoarding of extra cylinders would increase the demand artificially and impact availability.
The shortage of jumbo LPG cylinders used in industries has also raised concerns in the manufacturing sector. Jyoti Prakash, MD of Vishal Tools Industry in Jalandhar, said their factory has only about a week’s LPG stock left and explains that most hand tools industries in Jalandhar rely heavily on LPG for production. If supply does not resume soon, factories may have to reduce production or even temporarily shut operations, which would ultimately take a toll on labor and export commitments. Prakash also added that the hand tools sector exports products to the US and Europe, and any disruption could lead to delays in deliveries and the industry would have to face financial losses.
The hospitality sector is also facing uncertainty due to the LPG supply issues. Bhanu Sharma, HR of Ramada Hotel in Jalandhar, shares that hotels depend entirely on LPG for cooking operations and says that big hotels use 20–22 cylinders daily, and any major or minor disruption in supply could directly impact the operations. Sharma also warned that if the situation continues, some hotels may be forced to shut temporarily which would affect the employment and hospitality sector.
Industry representatives have urged the central government to take immediate steps to stabilize LPG supply and prevent shortages, and also expressed hope that the geopolitical tensions in the Middle East would ease soon, ensuring normal supply of LPG to industries and businesses in India.
