Jalandhar, March 14 -- Operations in the steel-forging and agro industries have been severely hit by a shortage of commercial LPG cylinders across the state, amid the ongoing conflict in West Asia.

Nearly 300 industries in the Jalandhar district rely entirely on commercial LPG to produce high-strength metal components through hot forging techniques. Ashwani Kumar, president of Hand Tools Manufacturing and Exporters Association, said due to the present constraints in LPG supplies arising out of the prevailing geopolitical situation, their industrial production activities are facing serious disruption.

"Our production lines require LPG for critical heat processing operations and any interruption in supply directly affects manufacturing co...