MINISTRY OF PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS has stated on social media that LPG supply to domestic and essential non-domestic sectors is being prioritised due to fuel supply constraints. Responding to the development, Indian Premier League (IPL) governing council chairperson Arun Dhumal said the league is closely monitoring the evolving situation.
With the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran escalating, supplies of petroleum and LPG products have been affected. Over the past few days, hotel owner associations in both Bengaluru and Chennai have indicated that they have LPG stocks sufficient for only a day or two. Several hotels have already begun limiting their menus in order to optimise LPG usage.
While there is currently no widespread panic, Dhumal said the league is keeping a close watch on developments. “We are reviewing the development. Since this is a evolving situation, nothing can be said as of now. But given the requirement of the situation, we will take a call accordingly,” Dhumal told The New Indian Express.
Although the schedule has not yet been announced, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is working through logistical details to avoid clashes with elections in several states, with the tournament expected to begin on 28 March. However, if the current situation continues, the BCCI and IPL may be required to review their plans, as the impact would extend beyond the league to industries, hospitals, educational institutions and the wider public.
In addition to LPG availability, logistics could also become a challenge. A similar situation was witnessed during the recently concluded ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, which was won by India national cricket team. Several teams, including Zimbabwe national cricket team, West Indies cricket team and South Africa national cricket team, were unable to leave India immediately due to the conflict affecting international flight routes to their respective countries.
