A nationwide shortage of commercial liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) has forced restaurants and eateries across India to scale back operations, shorten hours, and drastically alter menus as kitchen flames flicker amid supply disruptions.
The crisis, triggered by West Asia tensions disrupting imports and prioritizing essential sectors like hospitals and schools, has hit major cities including Bengaluru, Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, and Hyderabad hardest. The National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI) warns that small and mid-sized establishments, reliant on daily cylinder deliveries without large reserves, face temporary closures, with some already shuttered or rationing fuel to prepare only basic dishes. Prices for 19-kg commercial cylinders have surged to ₹2,100-2,300 from ₹1,650 a month ago, compounding the strain.
In Bengaluru's iconic eateries like Vidyarthi Bhavan, daily dosa sales have plummeted as kitchens limit to single sambars or kurmas instead of multiples, dropping from 3,000 weekend portions to bare essentials. Chains like Chowman in Delhi-NCR and Mumbai report restricting labor-intensive items like momos, bao, and fried foods, opting for quicker electric or induction alternatives where feasible. Hoteliers display signs like "No variety rice," delaying openings from 6 AM to 7 AM to conserve gas.
Also Read: D. K. Shivakumar Criticises BJP MPs Over Silence on LPG Shortage
The ripple effects threaten millions in the ₹5-lakh crore food services sector, including delivery workers whose orders have fallen from 30 to 5-10 daily trips, risking layoffs and salary cuts. Cloud kitchens and street vendors switch to coal chulhas or "crisis menus" focusing on no-cook or low-flame items, while rural areas face 45-day waits. Government measures under the Essential Commodities Act aim to curb hoarding and boost production, but operators demand urgent stabilization.
Industry leaders like NRAI President Sagar Daryani stress uninterrupted supply's criticality, as prolonged shortages could derail post-pandemic recovery and urban food chains. FHRAI's Pradeep Shetty notes nationwide impacts, with reduced staff mirroring fuel scarcity. As of March 18, 2026, eateries improvise survival tactics, highlighting LPG's backbone role in India's hospitality ecosystem.
Also Read: Centre Launches Panel To Crush Commercial LPG Supply Shortage