Chennai: Hotels, restaurants, tea shops, and small eateries in Chennai are facing a severe LPG shortage as Maharatna oil marketing companies — Indian Oil,
Bharat Petroleum and Hindustan Petroleum — have stopped bottling commercial cylinders amid disruptions linked to the Iran war. Many establishments have limited their menus or shut temporarily due to the crisis.
The crude oil trade has been affected worldwide due to the war between Iran and Israel. It has been revealed that there is a problem in the supply of 19 kg commercial cylinders in Chennai, with reports indicating that supply has been stopped at the IOC Cylinder Filling Company in Manali.
No LPG: Chennai restaurants may shut
Speaking about the situation, Thiagarajan of the Chennai Restaurant Owners Association said, “There has been a severe shortage of petroleum products due to the tension between the Iran and Israel war. This has led to delays in the delivery of commercial cylinders to hotels and has increased prices. The news and announcements that there will be a shortage of cylinders or restrictions are constantly coming. This has created tension among restaurant owners.”
Thiagarajan warned that if the delay in the supply of 19 kg commercial cylinders in Chennai continues, restaurants will have to close temporarily or permanently. “It is not right to say that we are distributing cylinders without imposing any deadline. If restaurants are affected, it will create problems among the public. If there is a delay in the delivery of cylinders, it will not be possible to produce food. At some point, the restaurant will have to close. The cylinder supply chain needs to be fixed. There is already a shortage. Although there is no major shortage at present, there is a problem in the supply chain,” he explained.
Bengaluru restaurants shut down
Meanwhile, Bengaluru restaurant associations have announced a shutdown from today, warning the crisis could worsen if commercial gas supplies are not restored soon. The shutdown will affect various groups in Bangalore, including IT employees, students and workers who rely on private restaurants for their daily meals.
Global context
The crude oil trade has been disrupted globally due to the ongoing war between Iran and Israel. The impact of this conflict has extended beyond India, with schools in Pakistan closed for two weeks due to crude oil shortage, and petrol and diesel being distributed on a rationed basis in Bangladesh.
