Himachal prioritises essential services as LPG supply tightens

Summary

Authorities in Himachal Pradesh have shifted to priority-based distribution of commercial LPG as supply constraints linked to West Asia disruptions affect businesses, while domestic cooking gas availability remains stable.

SHIMLA, March 12, 2026 — The Himachal Pradesh government and Indian Oil Corporation have moved to ration commercial LPG supplies, prioritising hospitals and educational institutions as stocks tighten.

Following a high-level review on March 11, Chief Secretary Sanjay Gupta said the state’s remaining commercial LPG inventory—estimated at about 15,000 cylinders—is being reserved for essential services.

Priority allocation for essential sectors

Officials said government and private hospitals, along with schools, are receiving priority access to 19-kg commercial cylinders from dealer inventories.

The move comes amid disruptions to bulk LPG flows linked to geopolitical tensions in West Asia.

Tourism and hospitality under strain

The impact is being felt across the state’s roughly 55,000 commercial LPG connections.

In Shimla, local industry groups report cancellations of weddings and events following a three-day supply halt. Some restaurants have reduced menus to conserve fuel and are seeking temporary permission to use domestic cylinders for staff meals.

Domestic supply stable

Authorities said bottling plants at Baddi, Una and Jalandhar continue to operate normally for household LPG distribution.

However, to prevent hoarding, a rule introduced earlier this month requires domestic consumers to wait 25 days between refill bookings.

Why this matters

• Service continuity: Ensures critical institutions remain operational.
• Tourism risk: Hospitality businesses face immediate disruptions.
• Energy vulnerability: Highlights reliance on imported LPG supply chains.

FAQs

Q1. Is there a shortage of domestic LPG?

No. Household supply remains stable despite commercial constraints.

Q2. Why is commercial LPG affected?

Supply disruptions tied to West Asia tensions have slowed bulk imports and distribution.

Q3. Can hotels use domestic cylinders?

Some establishments are seeking temporary permission for limited use, mainly for staff meals.

Q4. Where does Himachal source LPG?

Supply primarily comes from bottling plants in Baddi, Una and Jalandhar.

Q5. Who is most affected?

Restaurants, dhabas and hotels linked to tourism are facing the biggest impact.