PINAKI MAJUMDAR
Jamshedpur, April 3: A severe shortage of commercial LPG across Kolhan’s industrial clusters has raised concerns among industry stakeholders, prompting the Singhbhum Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) to seek immediate administrative intervention.
MSMEs, ancillary units worst hit
SCCI president Manav Kedia said a large network of ancillary units—supplying to Tata Motors, Tata Steel and the Railways—depend heavily on LPG for production.
The shortage is disrupting manufacturing, particularly among micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
“Several units have been forced to scale down operations, raising concerns over financial viability and possible job losses,” said honorary general secretary Puneet Kauntia.
Competitiveness and supply chains at risk
Vice president (industry) Harsh Bankrewal warned that prolonged shortages could hurt Kolhan’s industrial competitiveness.
Industry leaders linked the disruption partly to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, which have tightened global energy supply chains.
Kedia noted that despite directives to raise LPG allocation for commercial users from 50% to 70%, supply on the ground remains inadequate.
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SCCI urges govt, oil firms to act
SCCI has appealed to the deputy commissioners of East Singhbhum and Seraikela-Kharsawan for priority allocation of LPG to industries.
The chamber has also contacted Indian Oil Corporation and Hindustan Petroleum to seek coordinated action to restore supply.
Warning of wider impact, Kedia said continued disruption could affect supply chains linked to large industries and the broader manufacturing ecosystem.