Mumbai, March 22 Maharashtra Food and Civil Supplies Minister Chhagan Bhujbal said on Sunday that the supply of piped natural gas to commercial establishments has been increased by 20 per cent, providing relief to restaurants and eateries.
He said the government has decided to ease PNG distribution to businesses.
"From March 23, until further notice, commercial PNG supply has been increased by 20 per cent," Bhujbal said.
This will increase the supply to the commercial sector to 50 per cent.
Restaurants and eateries were affected after the war in the Middle East broke out, as it impacted the supply of commercial cooking gas. Several food establishments have been forced to suspend operations due to the shortage.
Bhujbal said that the PNG distribution to commercial establishments, ever since the crisis hit, was initially raised to 20 per cent, followed by a 10 per cent jump. An additional 20 per cent increase in supply has now been effected.
There had been a demand from the hotel industry to ensure gas supply to restaurants and eateries.
Earlier, Bhujbal had said that the state government would look into concerns raised by hotel owners following the Centre’s advisory prioritizing domestic consumption.
"If gas supply to hotels is completely stopped, many establishments may have to shut down. Switching to alternatives such as kerosene would require significant changes in infrastructure and could pose operational risks," he had said.
Hotel owners had urged the government not to completely stop commercial supply and suggested that, if necessary, it be reduced partially instead, he had said.
The conflict involving the US, Israel, and Iran has led to a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, the main transit route for Gulf energy supplies.