Indian weddings are infamously big and fat, increasing in scale and scope every year. But the sudden disruption in LPG cylinder supply triggered by the war in West Asia might forced weddings scheduled
across cities from fat to frugal. Wedding caterers in several cities are reportedly cancelling bookings, refusing orders, trimming menus and warning families that lavish feasts may not be possible if gas supply continues to be tight.
Industry groups across hospitality and catering businesses say the crunch — linked to disruptions in global fuel supply chains amid the Israel-US-Iran war — has drastically limited the availability of commercial LPG cylinders used by hotels, restaurants and large catering kitchens.
Wedding Caterers Pause Accepting Orders
In Madhya Pradesh, some caterers say many wedding bookings are now uncertain due to the shortage of 19-kg commercial LPG cylinders used for bulk cooking. According to an NDTV report, some catering companies have begun turning down fresh orders or are warning clients that their weddings may have to be postponed if they want the usual big wedding spreads.
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According to The Times of India, caterers in cities such as Indore have already started reducing menu items and shutting down live food counters to cope with limited gas supplies.
Most Affected Wedding Dates
The weddings most affected by the unfolding crisis are ones scheduled for mid-March since supplies are feared to dwindle around that time.
According to The Economic Times, the shortage of commercial LPG cylinders is threatening to disrupt weddings scheduled around the auspicious dates of March 14 and 15, when demand for catering services is particularly high.
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Large wedding banquets typically require multiple commercial cylinders to cook food for hundreds of guests, making caterers especially vulnerable to supply disruptions.
Weddings Scaling Down In Punjab
The impact is also visible in Punjab, where hotels, marriage palaces and caterers say elaborate wedding menus, especially meat items, are being scaled down due to the shortage.
According to The Times of India, hospitality operators are simplifying menus, limiting event timings and switching to alternative fuels such as diesel burners or wood-fired stoves to continue operations.
Industry representatives say many venues are now accepting bookings only on the condition that families compromise on the menu offerings.
Reports cited by Moneycontrol say more than 10,000 weddings are scheduled across Punjab, and the disruption has triggered panic buying of cylinders in some areas.
Caterers Struggling Across Cities
The impact is being felt in multiple cities beyond northern India.
In Pune, industry associations say hundreds of caterers are struggling to arrange gas cylinders needed for large wedding kitchens. According to local reports, around 450 caterers may be affected and thousands of wedding functions could face disruption if supplies do not improve.
Similar concerns have been reported in Wardha, where catering businesses say the irregular supply of commercial cylinders has forced some operators to cancel event orders.
Caterers in Kolkata have also begun refusing large orders or limiting the number of guests they can serve, according to a report by The Telegraph, which noted that cooking for a 500-guest wedding can require 10-12 LPG cylinders.
Panic Buying, Menu Changes And Alternative Fuel
With commercial LPG supplies tightening, hospitality businesses across India are experimenting with alternative fuels and emergency measures.
Hotels and restaurants in several states have begun using wood-fired stoves, diesel burners or induction cooktops, though operators say these options are inefficient for large banquet kitchens.
Industry bodies say the crisis has already forced eateries to simplify menus or temporarily remove certain dishes that require extensive cooking fuel.
Household Supply Takes Priority
Officials say the government has prioritised LPG supply for households, tightening availability for commercial users such as restaurants, hotels and caterers.
Authorities have also introduced measures such as monitoring supply chains and reviewing requests from commercial establishments as the situation evolves.
For now, however, wedding planners and caterers say uncertainty remains high. If commercial LPG supplies do not stabilise soon, India’s typically lavish wedding feasts may have to become smaller — or, in some cases, be postponed altogether.
