Kolkata Bakery Pauses Operations Amid LPG Crisis

• Kolkata's Nahoum & Sons bakery paused operations from March 18 due to LPG shortages.
• The 123-year-old institution reduced output amid LPG crisis; a full return is uncertain.
• A reopening is planned for March 23, but insiders lack a firm timeline for normalcy.

Kolkata's historic Nahoum and Sons bakery faces a temporary halt in operations. Discover the impact of the LPG crisis on this cherished institution and the community's anticipation for its return.

A Sweet Legacy Paused

The aroma of traditional baked goods from Nahoum and Sons, a culinary landmark in Kolkata's New Market for over a century, has temporarily vanished. This iconic Jewish bakery, operating for an impressive 123 years, has ceased its daily operations as of Wednesday, March 18th, 2026. The sudden closure, marked by a notice on its shutter, cites "unavoidable circumstances" as the reason. While the notice indicates a planned reopening on Monday, March 23rd, 2026, uncertainty lingers among those involved, with insiders admitting they have no clear timeline for a full return to normalcy. This temporary hiatus has sent ripples of surprise through the local business community, accustomed to the bakery's consistent presence, with its only regular closure being on Saturdays.

LPG Crisis Impact

The primary driver behind this unexpected pause in operations is the escalating LPG crisis. Jagadish Haldar, the shop's manager, elaborated on the severe difficulties faced. For a considerable period, the bakery had been making do with the limited availability of LPG, which directly impacted their production capacity. The quantity of baked items had to be reduced, a compromise that could only be sustained for so long. Ultimately, the decision was made to temporarily suspend all operations rather than continue with diminished output, a move described as impossible to carry out "half-heartedly." The management is committed to making a sustained effort to resume operations at the earliest possible opportunity, aiming to bring back the beloved confections to the city.

Community Reaction

The closure of Nahoum and Sons has elicited surprise from neighboring business owners. Sushil Jasnani, proprietor of an adjacent garments shop, expressed his astonishment, noting that the bakery's Saturday closure is a well-established routine. He highlighted that this extended closure for multiple days is unprecedented. He recalled that the only other time the shop remained shut for an extended period was in 2013, following the passing of David Nahoum, the last owner. This temporary shutdown, therefore, stands out as a significant event, underscoring the severity of the challenges the bakery is currently facing and the deep connection the community feels towards this historical establishment.