LPG misuse checks carried out at hotels in Bhatkal amid supply concerns

Bhatkal: Authorities conducted inspections at several hotels in Bhatkal town on Wednesday evening to prevent misuse of domestic LPG cylinders following concerns over possible disruptions in cooking gas supply.

The checks were carried out as a precautionary measure after tensions escalated in West Asia due to the conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel. The developments in the Strait of Hormuz region, a key route for crude oil shipments to India, have raised fears of disruptions in fuel and gas supply.

In view of the situation, the state government has directed district administrations to prioritise LPG supply for domestic consumers. The instructions were issued following directions from the Union government, with the state’s Chief Secretary Dr Shalini Rajneesh issuing strict guidelines in this regard.

Officials have been asked to take action under the Essential Commodities Act against misuse of domestic LPG cylinders for commercial purposes, illegal stockpiling, black marketing and under-filling of cylinders.