•A critical LPG shortage is pushing Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) towards an operational crisis, warns the Association of Indian Entrepreneurs (AIE).
•AIE National Chairman K E Raghunathan highlighted that LPG is a "lifeline" for thousands of small industries, commercial kitchens, and food processors.
•MSMEs, operating on thin margins, cannot absorb the shock of uncertain supply and rising prices, potentially leading to production cuts, workforce reduction, and shutdowns.
•AIE urges central and state governments to direct LPG supplies to MSMEs, temporarily reduce excise duty and VAT, and strictly monitor against hoarding and black marketing.
•Tamil Nadu government announced a Rs 2/unit electricity subsidy for restaurants switching to electric stoves; factories can use alternative fuels like kerosene without additional Pollution Control Board certificates.
