The Iran-Israel-US war has hit global energy supply chains. Several countries, including India, are facing disruptions in commercial LPG supply. India’s annual LPG consumption stands at around 31.3 million tonnes. Over 87 per cent of this demand comes from the domestic segment. The remaining share is used by commercial users, including hotels and restaurants. About 62 per cent of India’s LPG requirement is import-dependent. What has added to the crisis are the rumours and the panic booking. This has put a lot of strain on the energy management system. Sensing a crisis, Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged the public to remain calm and not to heed the rumours. The Centre is working overtime to prioritise the interests of citizens. The refinery adjustments have pushed domestic LPG output by about 25 per cent, and two LNG cargoes are en route to strengthen supplies further. India’s daily consumption is about 55 lakh barrels. Refineries are operating at maximum capacity, and LPG prioritisation focuses on households over commercial use. The Union Petroleum Ministry has asked states to prevent hoarding and black marketing. Back home, Divisional Commissioner Anshul Gar has assured steady LPG, petrol, and diesel supplies. Jammu and Kashmir currently has LPG stock sufficient for 13 days. The UT has petrol and diesel reserves sufficient for 15 days. Department of Food, Health, and Civil Supplies is keeping a close watch on essential supply chains. Deputy Commissioners have also constituted squads. District control rooms are ready to take immediate action against violators. Despite assurances, fear is palpable among the business community. Hotels and restaurants have stocks that could last for just eight to ten days. Jammu and Kashmir is a premier tourist destination, and hotels and restaurants depend on commercial cylinders. With tulip garden set to open, there is a likelihood that tourists in large numbers will arrive in Srinagar. In such a scenario, our hotels and restaurants need to operate 24×7 to ensure a hassle-free stay for our guests. Any disruption in LPG supply will directly impact the tourism industry. We are still reeling from the impact of the Pahalgam terror attack. If our hotels shut down, though temporarily, it will sound the death knell to the tourism industry. The government needs to take steps to ensure that the tourism season is not wasted. The Centre and UT governments need to treat Jammu and Kashmir as a special case, given our tourism sensitivity. The government should treat hotels and restaurants as domestic consumers for the time being to save our tourism industry. This will end the supply crisis and prevent panic booking. It will also instill confidence among the hospitality sector, and they will be better prepared for the coming tourism season.
LPG crisis
