Gujarat Government Enforces 25-Day Gap for LPG Cylinder Bookings to Manage Supply
In a move to ensure uninterrupted domestic supply of LPG (liquefied petroleum gas), the Gujarat government has announced a temporary restriction requiring a 25-day gap between bookings of two LPG cylinders by the same consumer. This measure, implemented by public sector oil marketing companies, aims to prevent panic buying and hoarding, according to an official statement from Gandhinagar.
State Assures Adequate Gas Stocks and Forms Coordination Panel
The government emphasized that Gujarat maintains sufficient stocks of both LPG and PNG (piped natural gas), with a panel established to coordinate with the Centre for smooth supply and distribution. Officials stated that the state is in a relatively comfortable position compared to many other regions regarding PNG availability, with approximately 30% of domestic gas supplied through pipelines.
Hospitals and educational institutions will continue to receive cylinders as per their requirements, ensuring critical services remain unaffected. The decision to introduce the 25-day gap is described as a precautionary step to safeguard domestic needs and avoid unnecessary shortages.
Surge in Demand for Induction Cooktops Amid LPG Concerns
As concerns over LPG supply grow, there has been a significant increase in the demand for induction cooktops across Gujarat. Tejas Panchal, treasurer of the Kitchen and Refrigeration Equipments Manufacturers' Association of Gujarat (KREMAG), reported that demand has surged fivefold in just 12 days.
"Every household now wants to keep an induction stove as a backup, and this trend is evident in both residential and commercial sectors," Panchal noted. Prices for commercial induction cooktops range from Rs 15,000 to Rs 3 lakh, while domestic models cost between Rs 2,500 and Rs 7,500, reflecting varied consumer needs.
This shift highlights how supply chain adjustments are influencing consumer behavior and market dynamics in the state, with residents seeking alternative cooking solutions to mitigate potential disruptions.
