Maharashtra will receive an additional 20 per cent allocation of commercial LPG, taking the state’s total supply to 50 per cent of pre-crisis levels relief that restaurants and dhabas have been waiting weeks for.
The announcement was made by state Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Protection Minister Chhagan Bhujbal, following directives from the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas issued on March 21, 2026. Until now, Maharashtra had been allocated just 30 per cent of its usual requirement. The new 20 per cent hike comes into effect from March 23 and remains in force until further orders.
Priority in distribution goes to hotels, dhabas, restaurants, industrial canteens, and units in food processing and dairy businesses. Subsidised canteens, community kitchens, and state government-run welfare schemes for migrant workers operated both by state agencies and local bodies — are also covered under the expanded allocation.
Bhujbal said the increase would ease the pressure on hotel and restaurant operators who have been hit hard by the ongoing shortage. He did, however, spell out one condition: businesses must register with Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) and apply for Piped Natural Gas (PNG) connections to access the supply.
The minister said the move should help stabilise food services and ease supply chain pressure across the state.
Also Read: Maharashtra Weather: Intense Heat Grips Konkan
Separately, the state government announced changes to kerosene distribution. Pending licences will now be treated as renewed without any fee. Authorities have been directed to transfer licences to legal heirs where applicable. In villages where no retail kerosene licence holder operates, fair price shop owners will be allowed to step in as licence holders.
A government resolution dated March 20, 2026 has been issued to all district collectors, covering the approval, renewal, and transfer of retail, hawker, semi-wholesale, and wholesale kerosene licences.
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