LPG Crisis Across India: Hotels and Restaurants Forced to Cook on Traditional Stoves
LPG Crisis: A shortage of cooking gas in several parts of India has begun to disrupt daily life for both households and businesses. Long queues are being seen outside gas agencies as people wait to collect LPG cylinders, while many hotels and restaurants are being forced to return to traditional cooking methods due to the lack of gas supply.
The situation is believed to be linked to the ongoing Iran–Israel conflict, which has started affecting energy supply chains globally. The impact is now being felt directly in Indian homes and commercial kitchens. Although the government has denied any widespread shortage of LPG, many citizens and business owners say they are facing serious difficulties in obtaining cylinders.
Restaurants Turning to Wood-Fired Stoves
In Hyderabad, several well-known restaurants have been compelled to switch to traditional wood-fired stoves due to the lack of LPG cylinders. One notable example is the popular Pista House restaurant. Out of its 756 menu items, the restaurant has temporarily stopped serving 750 dishes because they require gas-based cooking.
Currently, only six dishes are being prepared using wood-fired stoves, including popular items like biryani and haleem. Restaurant staff say the transition has not been easy because not all chefs are trained to cook using traditional wood stoves. Cooking with firewood also takes more time and effort compared to LPG-based kitchens.
Shift Toward Induction Cooking
In Bhopal, the well-known fast-food chain Sagar Gaire has adopted a different approach to deal with the gas shortage. Due to the lack of LPG cylinders, the chain has shifted nearly 60 to 80 percent of its kitchen operations to induction cooking systems.
The brand operates around 35 outlets across the state, and the change has been implemented in all branches. While induction cooktops have provided some relief and allowed kitchens to continue operating, restaurant operators say it is not a complete or permanent solution for all types of dishes.
Long Queues at Gas Agencies
In Raebareli district of Uttar Pradesh, the shortage of LPG cylinders has created panic among both urban and rural residents. People are reportedly standing in queues overnight outside gas agencies in the hope of getting a cylinder.
Despite waiting for hours, many customers return empty-handed because supplies run out quickly. To manage the growing crowds and maintain order, police personnel have been deployed at several gas distribution centers.
Small hotels and roadside eateries in the area are also struggling to stay open, as commercial LPG cylinders are becoming difficult to obtain. Some businesses are reportedly on the verge of shutting down if the situation continues.
Government Denies LPG Shortage
Meanwhile, the central government has denied that there is any nationwide shortage of LPG. Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, stated that the LPG delivery cycle across the country remains stable at around 2.5 days, indicating that supply systems are functioning normally.
However, the situation on the ground appears different for many consumers, as long queues and supply delays continue to be reported from multiple regions.
Measures Against Hoarding and Black Marketing
Authorities have also acknowledged concerns about possible hoarding and black marketing amid international tensions affecting energy supply. The Union Home Secretary recently held a meeting with officials from all states and Union Territories, directing them to take strict action against hoarding and illegal sale of LPG cylinders.
The government has urged citizens to remain calm while monitoring the situation closely. Despite these assurances, many people across the country continue to face difficulties in accessing cooking gas, and businesses dependent on LPG are still struggling to keep their kitchens running.
