The LPG shortage in Rajasthan is posing a serious threat to hotels, restaurants, and confectionery businesses. The state’s approximately 1.43 lakh commercial gas consumers require between 80,000 and 100,000 19 kg cylinders and approximately 500,000 domestic cylinders daily.
However, due to the disruption in supplies from state-owned oil companies, consumers are unable to access even half of their required gas. Taking advantage of this situation, private gas companies have begun attracting new customers.
They are offering cylinders for a security deposit of ₹2,000 to ₹2,100. However, a 19 kg cylinder is currently selling for ₹3,000 to ₹3,200 in the market. The disruption in commercial gas supply is also impacting electric induction and coal prices.
Businessmen say that large hotels are placing bulk orders. The delay in receiving supplies is impacting prices. A coal supply crisis is also emerging. Small shopkeepers say that wood and coal dealers have also started raising prices.
Gas bookings suspended in several districts
Gas bookings have been suspended in several districts, including Jhunjhunu, Tonk, and Alwar. Agencies are attributing this to server outages. Experts say that approximately 25,000 to 30,000 domestic cylinders are being sold in the state for ₹1,600 to ₹2,000, resulting in an additional ₹2 to 3 crore being charged to consumers daily. Commercial consumers require 10 to 15 kg of gas daily on normal days, while during the wedding season, this consumption reaches 25 to 30 kg.