Patna: Commercial establishments across India, including restaurants, dhabas and hotels, will now be required to register with oil marketing companies (OMCs) to continue receiving commercial LPG cylinders, following new directives issued by the central government.
Under the revised system, businesses that rely on commercial gas cylinders will not be supplied unless they complete the mandatory registration process. Officials say the move is intended to streamline distribution and prevent the diversion of subsidised domestic LPG for commercial use.
Authorities have begun scaling up the supply of commercial cylinders in line with the guidelines, while urging all eligible establishments to register with their respective OMCs to avoid disruption.
The policy comes amid concerns that domestic LPG cylinders were being widely misused for commercial purposes, a practice that not only violates regulations but also affects household consumers by straining supply and subsidy distribution.
To support the transition, facilities such as the Indian Oil Corporation’s bottling plant in Giddha were kept operational beyond regular hours, allowing agencies to maintain distribution schedules and minimise inconvenience for consumers.
In urban areas, residents are also being encouraged to shift towards piped natural gas (PNG) connections, part of a broader push to modernise fuel distribution systems and reduce reliance on cylinder-based supply.
Officials say that once registration is completed, commercial users will benefit from a more transparent and reliable supply chain. The identification of legitimate commercial consumers is expected to help curb black marketing and ensure that subsidies reach their intended beneficiaries.
Businesses that comply with the new requirements will receive uninterrupted and lawful supply of commercial cylinders, while those found violating the rules may face strict action.
Authorities have advised hotel and dhaba operators to contact their nearest gas agencies or OMC offices, submit the required documentation and obtain a dedicated commercial connection within the stipulated timeframe.
