LPG online booking stalled in MP:50,000 hotels, restaurants on verge of running out of gas; induction, diesel stove prices double

Online booking of LPG cylinders in Madhya Pradesh has almost come to a standstill due to prolonged server downtime. People across the state, including in Bhopal, Indore, Gwalior, Ujjain and Jabalpur, are unable to book cylinders. The waiting period has stretched to seven to eight days, while gas agencies are witnessing heavy crowds from morning until evening. Amid the shortage, prices of induction cooktops and diesel stoves have surged sharply. In Bhopal alone, induction sales have increased up to sevenfold. At the same time, nearly 50,000 hotels and restaurants across the state are on the verge of running out of gas. Hotels and restaurants running out of commercial cylinders Hotels and restaurants have not received commercial LPG cylinders for the past four days. According to Tejku Pal Singh Pali, nearly 2,000 hotels and restaurants in Bhopal have not received a single cylinder during this period. Many establishments may only be able to continue operations for another 24 to 48 hours. Industry representatives have urged the government to include hotels, restaurants and college canteens in the list of emergency services. In Bhopal alone, around two lakh students depend on these establishments for daily meals, and the disruption could create serious difficulties for them. Hotel entrepreneurs meet CM Sumit Suri said that he met Chief Minister Mohan Yadav to discuss the crisis. He requested that hotels and restaurants be included under emergency services so that they can receive priority gas supply. The Chief Minister has reportedly assured assistance. Meanwhile, entrepreneurs are also exploring alternative arrangements. Many establishments are shifting focus to induction cooktops and diesel stoves. The association has also issued guidelines advising hotel owners on ways to conserve gas and manage limited supplies. The association represents about 10,500 hotels across the state, including those in Bhopal, Gwalior, Indore, Ujjain, and Jabalpur. The total number of hotels in Madhya Pradesh is estimated to be around 50,000. Induction cooktop sales rise sevenfold Demand for induction cooktops has surged sharply in Bhopal over the past two days. Customers have been rushing to shops to purchase alternative cooking equipment. Harish Tejwani, a major trader from Bairagarh, said that earlier, only one or two induction cooktops were sold occasionally, but in the past two days, more than eight units have been sold. Bhopal has more than 4,000 shops selling induction cooktops, with higher concentrations in Bairagarh and the old city. Many utensil shops also stock induction appliances. Prices have also risen significantly. Retailers report an increase of ₹1,000 to ₹2,000 per unit. Online prices have climbed as well. An induction cooktop that cost between ₹1,800 and ₹2,000 about ten days ago is now selling for more than ₹3,500. Black marketing of LPG cylinders on the rise The LPG shortage has also led to a rise in black marketing across the state. In Bhopal, four cylinders are reportedly being sold for ₹21,000. This was revealed during a sting operation conducted by Dainik Bhaskar. In Rewa, a domestic LPG cylinder is reportedly being sold for ₹2,000. In Chhindwara, organisers of wedding events are preparing to cook food using diesel stoves due to the shortage. Graphics accompanying the report explain the daily supply of cylinders in Madhya Pradesh, the current LPG prices in major cities across India, and the country’s overall dependence on LPG. 5 key government steps to address the crisis High-level committee formed- The Ministry of Petroleum has constituted a high-level committee of executive directors from three oil companies to review and monitor LPG supply. Essential Commodities Act implemented- To regulate gas distribution, the central government has enforced the Essential Commodities Act, 1955 across the country. LPG booking after 25 days- Rules for domestic cylinder bookings have been revised. Consumers will now be allowed to book another cylinder only 25 days after the previous one has been delivered. OTP and biometric verification mandatory:
To prevent hoarding of cylinders, delivery agents have been instructed to strictly follow OTP or biometric verification during delivery. Order to increase LPG production:
The government has directed oil refineries to increase LPG production. The additional output will be primarily used to strengthen domestic gas supply.