Energy – Karnataka Flags Fuel and LPG Supply Concerns Amid Crisis
Energy – Karnataka has raised fresh concerns over fuel and liquefied petroleum gas allocations, with senior leaders alleging that the state’s repeated requests for increased supply have not received a timely response from the Union government. The issue comes at a time when global tensions in West Asia have heightened worries about energy security and distribution within the country.
State Seeks Fair Share of Allocations
State Home Minister G Parameshwara said that Karnataka has formally communicated its requirements to the Centre, urging authorities to ensure adequate allocation of LPG. According to him, the state is not receiving the volume it needs to meet rising demand, particularly in urban areas.
He noted that both administrative channels and political leadership have already reached out to the Union government. Despite these efforts, he claimed there has been no concrete response so far. The minister emphasized that the state is only asking for what it considers a fair share and warned that prolonged delays could worsen the situation.
Possible Administrative Measures After Elections
Parameshwara also indicated that the state leadership may take additional steps to address the issue internally. He suggested that once the ongoing electoral process concludes, the Chief Minister could appoint a dedicated official or team to focus exclusively on resolving supply-related challenges.
This move, he said, would help streamline coordination between agencies and ensure quicker decision-making at the state level.
Bengaluru Faces Severe Commercial LPG Shortage
The issue had earlier been highlighted by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who wrote to Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri in March seeking urgent intervention. In his communication, the Chief Minister pointed to a significant gap between supply and demand for commercial LPG in Bengaluru.
According to state estimates, the city requires around 50,000 cylinders daily, but is currently receiving only about 1,000. This shortfall has affected a wide range of businesses, particularly hotels and small eateries, many of which have struggled to continue operations.
The Chief Minister stated that the shortage is not just a logistical issue but one that is impacting livelihoods and economic activity across the state.
Measures Taken to Manage Distribution
State authorities have introduced several measures to manage the limited supply. Priority has been given to essential services, while efforts are being made to regulate distribution more effectively.
Food and Civil Supplies Minister KH Muniyappa clarified that there is no major shortage for domestic consumers or public transport sectors. However, he acknowledged the pressure on commercial supply chains and said steps are being taken to address imbalances.
The government has instructed IndianOil to increase daily supply volumes and has also warned private distributors against practices such as hoarding and unauthorized price hikes. Monitoring committees have been set up at the district level to conduct inspections and ensure compliance with regulations.
Centre Assures Adequate National Supply
Amid the concerns raised by Karnataka, the Union government has issued a statement assuring citizens that there is no overall shortage of petroleum products across the country. Officials confirmed that supplies of petrol, diesel, LPG, and piped natural gas remain stable at the national level.
The Centre maintained that distribution systems are functioning normally and that sufficient stock is available to meet demand. However, the situation in Karnataka highlights the need for closer coordination between central and state authorities to address regional disparities.
As discussions continue, both sides are expected to work towards a resolution that ensures uninterrupted access to essential fuel resources while supporting businesses and households alike.