Amid a shortage of commercial LPG cylinders reported in Mumbai following the war in West Asia, concerns around gas prices have intensified, with eateries, vendors and households reporting delays in supply.
However, as concerns over supply disruptions grow, reports indicate that cylinders are increasingly being sold at higher prices in the black market, with some commercial cylinders fetching nearly double their official rates.
The commercial cylinders are reportedly selling at INR 2,800 to INR 3,000.
The ongoing tensions linked to the Iran–United States tensions have disrupted the supply chain, leading to a shortage of gas cylinders in Mumbai and other parts of Maharashtra. He criticised the central government for lacking a clear policy to deal with the crisis, despite claiming that there is no shortage.
Millions of Mumbaikars depend on street food and small eateries for their daily meals while thousands of vendors selling items like vada pav, samosas and idli-vada rely on LPG for their livelihood. The shortage, he said, has begun affecting both workers and office-goers in the city.
Blaming the BJP-led government for failing to manage the situation effectively, Mumbai Congress has alleged that a severe shortage of LPG cylinders in the city has caused major difficulties for residents and small businesses.
Mumbai Congress spokesperson and media coordinator Sureshchandra Rajhans said the shortage of commercial LPG cylinders has begun affecting hotels, eateries and small food vendors across the metropolis.
He claimed that nearly 25 per cent of hotels in Mumbai have already been forced to shut down due to the lack of gas supply, warning that the situation could worsen in the next two to three days if urgent steps are not taken.
Meanwhile, the Mumbai Congress has announced citywide protests against the LPG price hike and shortage. Rajhans said party leaders, office-bearers and workers will stage demonstrations across all districts and assembly constituencies in Mumbai on March 13 and 14 demanding adequate gas supply, reduction in prices and an end to any rationing of LPG cylinders.
Moreover, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) canteen has shifted to an alternate method of cooking by using electric appliances.
Canteen owner Ganesh said they earlier had three electric stoves and have ordered two more, though some dishes still require gas, with about two cylinders used daily.