State Increases PNG Supply to Ease Restaurant Concerns

Maharashtra Increases PNG Supply to Commercial Establishments by 20% Amid Gas Disruptions​

Relief for Restaurants and Eateries as Supply Allocation Rises​

Mumbai, March 23: The Maharashtra government has increased the supply of Piped Natural Gas (PNG) to commercial establishments by 20 per cent, offering relief to restaurants and eateries affected by recent supply disruptions.

State Food and Civil Supplies Minister Chhagan Bhujbal announced that the enhanced allocation will come into effect from March 23 and remain in place until further notice.

Commercial PNG Supply Now Raised to 50%​

With the latest revision, the total PNG supply allocation to the commercial sector has been increased to 50 per cent. The move is aimed at easing operational challenges faced by food businesses that have been struggling due to limited access to cooking gas.

Bhujbal stated that the government has taken this decision to support businesses impacted by ongoing global developments affecting energy supply.

Middle East Conflict Disrupts Gas Availability​

Restaurants and eateries across Maharashtra have faced difficulties after the escalation of the Middle East conflict disrupted the supply of commercial cooking gas. The situation intensified due to the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical transit route for energy supplies from the Gulf region.

The disruption has forced several food establishments to suspend operations due to the lack of adequate gas supply.

Gradual Increase in PNG Allocation Since Crisis Began​

The minister highlighted that the government has been gradually increasing PNG supply to the commercial sector since the crisis began. Initially, supply allocation was raised to 20 per cent, followed by an additional 10 per cent increase.

The latest 20 per cent hike further strengthens supply availability for businesses dependent on PNG.

Hotel Industry Concerns Prompt Government Action​

The decision comes after repeated requests from the hotel and restaurant industry, which urged the government to ensure continued gas supply. Industry stakeholders had warned that a complete halt in commercial gas supply could force widespread shutdowns.

Bhujbal had earlier acknowledged these concerns, noting that switching to alternative fuels such as kerosene would require significant infrastructure changes and could pose operational risks.

Hotel owners had also suggested that instead of stopping supply entirely, the government should consider partial reductions, a recommendation that appears to have influenced the latest decision.