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Mumbai: A growing shortage of commercial LPG cylinders is beginning to affect restaurants and eateries across Mumbai, with several food outlets warning
that operations may soon come to a halt if supplies are not restored. The crisis comes at a time when energy markets are under pressure due to the ongoing conflict in West Asia. Industry representatives say the shortage has already disrupted kitchen operations in several parts of the city. According to a report by The Times of India, many restaurants are cutting menus and reducing service hours as cooking gas supplies become uncertain.
Many Eateries Already Shut
Hotel and restaurant associations say nearly 20 per cent of eateries in the Mumbai region have already shut down fully or partially due to the shortage of commercial LPG cylinders. Industry bodies warn that if the situation continues for another two days, as many as 50–60 per cent of restaurants could be forced to stop operations.
The impact is already visible at several well-known food outlets in the city.
Hotel Free India at Jacob Circle has shut down operations after running out of gas. Meanwhile, Nanumal Bhojraj opened briefly on Tuesday morning but had to close soon after its gas supply was exhausted. Similarly, Shaan Chinese, which operates from inside New Edward Restaurant on D N Road, remained closed throughout the day. At Udupi Niketan in Bombay Central, the management has reduced service hours and cut down the number of dishes served to customers.
Restaurants Cutting Menu Items
Some eateries that still have limited gas reserves are trying to manage by removing items from their menus and operating for shorter hours to conserve fuel.
Akshay Shetty said the restaurant had to limit some of its most popular dishes to save gas. “The reason is the price of LPG cylinders have suddenly skyrocketed,” Shetty said.
Prices Rise Sharply
Restaurant owners say commercial LPG cylinders that earlier cost around Rs 1,700 have recently increased to about Rs 1,840 following the Gulf crisis.
However, many hoteliers claim the shortage has also triggered black marketing, with cylinders reportedly being sold in the grey market for as much as Rs 3,000.
Industry leaders say if supplies do not stabilise soon, the shortage could seriously affect the city’s food industry and thousands of small eateries that depend on LPG for daily cooking operations.
