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LPG supply for food sector under control says Paswan
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Thursday, 19 March, 2026, 08 : 00 AM [IST]
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Our Bureau, New Delhi
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Union Minister for Food Processing Industries, Chirag Paswan, sought to allay industry fears regarding the ongoing Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) shortage, stating that the situation is "not that much of a concern now." While the government remains on high alert due to the escalating West Asia crisis, Paswan assured stakeholders that supply disruptions are currently manageable.
The minister’s remarks come at a critical time when commercial LPG supplies have been significantly curtailed. To ensure domestic households remain unaffected by global supply chain volatility, the government has capped commercial LPG consumption for businesses at just 20 percent of their monthly average. This move was triggered by regional instability in West Asia, which has historically served as a primary source for India’s energy imports.
Speaking on the sidelines of an Assocham event on nutraceuticals, Paswan emphasized a "wait-and-watch" approach. "Right now, it is not that much of a concern. Yes, precautionary steps are being taken, but we need to keep an eye on the situation of the war. If it continues, then definitely further steps will need to be taken," he said.
The food processing industry is particularly vulnerable to these shortages. LPG is a vital energy source for a wide range of operations, including industrial ovens, deep fryers, and sterilization units. It powers the production of essential consumer goods such as biscuits, dairy products, snacks, and packaged foods.
Industry experts have expressed concerns that prolonged scarcity could lead to production halts or price hikes for processed goods. While some major players like Britannia have reported that their operations remain unaffected for now, smaller manufacturers are exploring alternatives like bio-fuels and electrical equipment.
Minister Paswan concluded by reiterating that the Ministry is actively monitoring the geopolitical landscape to ensure that the food processing sector's production continuity is maintained despite the global energy crunch.
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