The State government has increased the supply of commercial liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) by 20% points, raising the allocation to 50% of pre-crisis levels, following a directive from the Union Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas. The move is intended to ease availability for hotels, restaurants, and food-related enterprises.

State Food and Civil Supplies Minister Chhagan Bhujbal announced on Sunday (March 22, 2026) that the supply of commercial gas will be increased by 20% in accordance with the Central government’s directive.

The Union Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas had issued a notification on March 21 stipulating that the State’s approved LPG allocation was set at 30% of pre-crisis levels. With the increase, effective March 23 until further orders, the allocation will reach 50% of those levels.

Priority for the additional supply will be given to hotels, dhabas, restaurants, industrial canteens, food processing industries, and the dairy sector. Subsidised canteens and community kitchens operated by the State government or local self-government bodies, along with schemes for migrant workers, will also be covered under the increased allocation.

Mr. Bhujbal said the decision would provide relief to hotel and food service professionals who faced shortages of commercial LPG. He added that business operators seeking the supply must register with oil marketing companies and apply for a piped natural gas (PNG) connection.

Separate decisions were announced regarding kerosene distribution. Pending licenses will be deemed automatically renewed without any fee. Licenses will be transferred to legal heirs through streamlined processes. In villages where licensed retail kerosene dealers are not available, Fair Price Shop operators will be granted licenses as authorised kerosene dealers.

A government order issued on March 20 has directed District Collectors to take the required action.