TN Govt Warns Hotels, Caterers Against Using Domestic LPG Cylinders For Commercial Purpose

Amid mounting complaints about the diversion of household cooking gas cylinders for business activities, the Tamil Nadu Food and Civil Supplies and Consumer Protection Department has issued a strong warning against the illegal practice.

The department on Thursday made it clear that domestic LPG cylinders must be used strictly for household cooking and not for commercial purposes, cautioning that violators will face strict enforcement measures, including the seizure of cylinders, according to a report in DT Next.

Authorities said that domestic LPG cylinders, which are meant exclusively for residential consumption, are increasingly being used in commercial establishments such as restaurants, roadside eateries, bakeries and catering units. Officials stressed that such misuse is a violation of regulations and will not be tolerated.

"In recent days, reports and public complaints have indicated that household LPG cylinders are being diverted for commercial use. Such practices are illegal and deprive genuine domestic consumers of essential supplies," a senior official from the department said.

In response to the complaints, the department has intensified monitoring and enforcement activities across the state. Inspection teams have been deployed in Chennai and several other districts to identify establishments that may be using subsidised domestic cylinders for business operations. Surprise inspections are being conducted at food outlets, hotels, roadside stalls and catering facilities to detect violations.

Officials said that if domestic cylinders are found being used in commercial settings during these inspections, they will be immediately confiscated. Further legal action will also be initiated against those responsible under the applicable provisions of law.

Authorities have also appealed to the public to help curb the illegal practice by reporting violations. Citizens who spot commercial establishments using domestic LPG cylinders can file complaints through the department's control room or consumer helpline.

"The department will promptly verify all complaints. If misuse is confirmed during inspection, the cylinders will be seized and appropriate action will follow," the official told DT Next.

The department reiterated that domestic LPG cylinders are subsidised and intended only for household kitchens. Diverting them to commercial establishments not only breaks the law but also disrupts the supply chain meant for ordinary consumers who depend on the subsidised fuel for daily cooking.

Officials said strict monitoring will continue in the coming days and warned that offenders could face severe penalties if found violating the rules.

Meanwhile, the shortage of alternative fuels has also begun affecting public transport in parts of Chennai and neighbouring districts. Trade unions representing autorickshaw drivers said a significant number of vehicles remained off the roads due to the limited availability of Auto LPG and CNG.

Union representatives claimed that around 20,000 autorickshaws were not operating in Chennai and nearby areas of Chengalpattu and Tiruvallur for the second consecutive day on Wednesday, according to a report in The New Indian Express reported.

However, owners of fuel bunks downplayed the severity of the shortage, stating that while supply concerns exist, the situation may not be as critical as suggested by drivers.

CITU Auto Employees Union state working president S Balasubramanian told TNIE, "Around 20,000 of the 1.30 lakh autos in Chennai and its suburbs are not operating on Wednesday due to the shortage of Auto LPG. In Chennai, about 60% of autos are older models that can run either on Auto LPG or petrol. The remaining 40% run on CNG, which is always in high demand because there are only a limited number of CNG bunks."

Drivers have also raised concerns over a price surge at some private fuel stations. According to Balasubramanian, while petroleum corporation-run bunks were selling Auto LPG at the government-fixed rate of Rs 64.51, certain private bunks were reportedly charging close to Rs 80 per litre. He said the higher prices have forced several drivers to halt operations as running their vehicles has become financially unviable.