New Delhi: The current commercial LPG cylinder shortage in Mumbai is now heavily affecting weddings and large events during the peak season. This happened
due to global supply chain disruptions from the West Asia conflict. In many places, even the catering and hotel industries are being affected. With around 450 registered caterers and around 10,000 to 12,000 weddings planned for April and May, the region is struggling to cope.
According to the Hotel and Restaurant Association, around 20% of hotels and restaurants have already closed their doors due to the lack of cooking gas. And as a large number of LPG cylinders are required for weddings and receptions, government officials have prioritised LPG supply for households, tightening availability for commercial users.
Authorities have also introduced measures to monitor supply chains and review requests from commercial establishments as the Iran and Israel conflict enters its 13th day.
Crisis on the ground
Caterers said that the bookings have been made months in advance, but now that gas cylinder becoming difficult to obtain, it has become difficult to manage events. In many places, to make functions possible on the shubh muhurat, people have reduced the menus, removing some dishes and functions are being held on a smaller scale. The guest lists are being kept low.
Speaking to News9, one prominent caterer revealed that they are no longer accepting new orders. The menu has also been reduced with the rates rising. People are also planning to postpone the events as the situation is escalating.
What next?
The oil ministry has formed a three-member committee to address the ongoing supply challenges after the sudden shortage of commercial LPG cylinders. India consumes about 31.3 million tonnes of LPG annually, with 87 per cent used by domestic households, while the remaining is used by commercial establishments such as hotels and restaurants.
Recent hostilities in the Middle East have led to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which is the route for 85-90 per cent of India’s LPG imports. As the crisis continues, Mumbai’s hospitality industry is left waiting to see if the committee’s intervention can restore normalcy before the peak wedding season passes.
