Concerns are growing across India as a shortage of LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) begins to affect restaurants, small food businesses, and consumers in several cities. Reports from Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, and Kolkata suggest that many restaurants are struggling to obtain commercial LPG cylinders, creating difficulties in running their daily operations.
Several restaurant owners have said they are receiving fewer cylinders than required. As a result, some eateries have reduced menu options, shortened working hours, or temporarily stopped cooking certain dishes. Street food vendors and small food stalls, which depend heavily on LPG for cooking, are also facing challenges due to the limited supply.
Experts believe the problem is linked to global disruptions in energy supply. Ongoing tensions in the Middle East have affected important shipping routes used to transport LPG, causing delays and shortages in several countries, including India. Since India imports a large portion of its LPG, international supply issues can quickly impact domestic availability and prices.
The situation has also raised concerns in the hospitality industry. If the shortage continues for a longer period, businesses may face higher operating costs, which could eventually lead to an increase in food prices. Workers in the restaurant sector may also be affected if establishments are forced to reduce operations.
The government has responded by asking oil refineries to increase domestic LPG production and by exploring alternative import sources. Officials have also prioritized household LPG supply to ensure that families continue to receive cooking gas without major disruption.
Authorities say they are closely monitoring the situation and expect supply to improve in the coming weeks. However, many business owners remain cautious and hope the crisis is resolved soon so that normal operations can resume.
