Commercial LPG supply partially restored; inept, say biz owners

Lucknow: Establishments like hotels, restaurants and small manufacturing units using commercial LPG in the city can expect some relief as oil companies had by Saturday restored commercial LPG supply partially. The supply was restricted on Mar 14 over crisis linked to the West Asia conflict.During the disruption, many establishments used alternatives. Some shifted to electric cooking devices while others used diesel-based systems. Many reduced menu items and working hours. Small industries slowed production. Oil companies have now resumed cylinder supply, though supply is only 20% of the usual. This means businesses will get a small share of their normal gas. A unit that earlier received 20 cylinders a month will now get only four. Officials say supply may improve soon.Commercial users are being supplied cylinders ranging from 19 kg to 47 kg. The administration has held a meeting with distributors to review the situation.Operators say supply is not enough. Hotels and Restaurants Owners Association president Surendra Sharma said, "We urge district administration to ensure every hotel and restaurant gets LPG as per its full quota. The current supply is not sufficient."Restaurant owner Rakesh Verma said, "We are struggling to manage peak-hour orders and forced to remove items form menu." Hotel operator Imran Khan said, "Frequent interruptions in cooking may force us to reduce servicing orders and working hours."Officials said supply may increase to 50% if conditions improve. Oil companies said future supply will be linked to mandatory PNG connections where pipelines are available.