In a landmark decision to combat the ongoing commercial LPG cylinder shortage triggered by geopolitical tensions in West Asia, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has announced a significant power subsidy for the food sector. After a high-level review meeting on Saturday, the CM declared that hotels, tea shops, and cloud kitchens transitioning from LPG cylinders to electric ovens or induction stoves will receive a financial boost.

₹2 per Unit Subsidy on Electricity The state government will provide a subsidy of ₹2 per unit for the additional electricity consumed by food establishments that switch to electric cooking. This relief measure aims to reduce operational costs for small businesses while the central government’s restrictions on commercial LPG usage remain in force.

Loan Support for MSMEs and Entrepreneurs To facilitate a smooth transition to electric infrastructure, the Chief Minister has also sanctioned subsidized loans for purchasing industrial-grade electric stoves and heaters. Under the ‘Unemployed Youth Employment Generation Programme,’ eligible entrepreneurs can access a 25% subsidy, while SC/ST business owners under the Ambedkar Business Champions Scheme will receive up to 35% capital subsidy (capped at ₹1 crore).

Securing the Livelihoods of Farmers CM Stalin emphasized that keeping restaurants operational is vital for the state’s farmers, who supply milk and vegetables to these establishments. Additionally, the government has allotted extra kerosene for ration cardholders to ease the domestic burden. By incentivizing ‘E-Cooking,’ Tamil Nadu is setting a precedent for using sustainable technology to navigate global fuel supply disruptions.