Karnataka cuts commercial LPG to 20%, urges use of alternatives: Minister Muniyappa

Karnataka is scaling down its commercial LPG supply to just 20 per cent of usual demand , with essential sectors like schools, public utilities, and hotels receiving priority, the state Food and Civil Supplies Minister K H Muniyappa said on Monday.

Speaking during Question Hour in the Karnataka Legislative Council, Muniyappa explained that the state now distributes about 16,000 cylinders daily , significantly lower than the earlier 45,000 cylinders per day . “We have streamlined allocations after the Centre’s intervention to ensure critical services continue smoothly,” he added.

Schools and government establishments are top priority. Educational institutions have been allotted 4,200 cylinders , while government canteens, airports, railway stations, and bus depots receive 1,200 cylinders . Hotels, which previously struggled with inadequate supply, are now guaranteed 10,000 cylinders , a 20 per cent allocation reflecting their adjusted needs.

“For instance, if a hotel was using five cylinders a week earlier, it must now adjust to just one cylinder,” Muniyappa clarified, stressing the need for adaptation. Agricultural, seed processing, and pharmaceutical units receive 500 cylinders daily , with 205 reserved for emergencies .

To curb misuse and assess actual demand, all institutions must register with GAIL (Gas Authority of India Limited) within a week . Non-registered users may face supply disruptions. Domestic consumers will also see staggered supply , with urban households receiving cylinders every 25 days and rural households every 40 days .

Responding to concerns raised over firewood shortages, Muniyappa highlighted the importance of alternative energy. “We rely on foreign countries for 70 per cent of our oil. We must promote solar, green energy, and biogas ,” he said. He added reassurance, emphasizing that food preparation need not halt, as firewood and electricity remain available options.

Calling for cooperation, the minister urged, “Adjustments are necessary. In the future, we must stand on our own feet and not depend on others.” The government will review the situation next week to explore possibilities for enhancing LPG supply further.