Maharashtra Implements Rationing of Commercial LPG Supply; Essential Services to Receive Full Allocation

Mumbai: The Maharashtra government has begun sector-wise rationing of commercial LPG cylinders following a directive from the Centre. The directive, issued to district collectors, emphasizes the need to prioritize essential services while allocating gas across cities, towns, and villages.

The state government has laid down specific supply percentages for various sectors. In letters issued on March 13 and 14 by the state food, civil supplies, and consumer protection department, collectors have been instructed to strictly adhere to a priority list while distributing commercial LPG within their districts.

Hospitals, educational institutions, and key public services will receive 100% LPG supply, ensuring uninterrupted cooking and operational needs in critical sectors. This includes both government and private hospitals, as well as schools, colleges, hostels, and other educational institutions. The state government has also separately instructed collectors to ensure that educational institutions—ranging from pre-primary schools to secondary schools and aided institutions—get 100% LPG allocation.

Other essential public services, such as sanitation facilities, milk collection centers, and community kitchens (annachatra), have also been placed in the top priority category with full supply entitlement. For the hospitality sector, including restaurants, hotels, roadside dhabas, tourism establishments, and religious or public places, LPG allocation is capped at 90% of demand.

The order also provides limited allocation for transport services, with the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) eligible for 50% LPG supply. Industrial units, seed processing units, and fisheries have been assigned 40% supply. Authorities stated that the priority-based distribution will be implemented immediately, and district administrations will coordinate with distributors to ensure compliance.

Meanwhile, the LPG shortage has begun to affect the city's public hospitals, with food availability for doctors and staff impacted. However, food preparation for patients remains unaffected, according to officials at the state government-run J J Hospital in Byculla and the central government-run Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research, and Education in Cancer (ACTREC), Tata Memorial Centre's Kharghar unit.

The government's efforts to manage the LPG shortage are crucial to maintaining the smooth operation of essential services and minimizing the impact on daily life. Citizens are advised to use LPG judiciously and explore alternative cooking methods where possible.