LPG Shortage After Iran War Drives Eateries to Coal and Firewood

LPG shortage has begun affecting restaurants and commercial kitchens across India. The crisis followed rising tensions in the Middle East and disruptions caused by the Iran war. As a result, energy supply routes have become uncertain. Many businesses now struggle to obtain cooking fuel. The hospitality sector depends heavily on LPG for daily operations. However, the supply of cylinders has suddenly become limited. India uses LPG in more than 33 crore households and in thousands of eateries. Because of this wide use, any disruption quickly impacts the market.

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Restaurants in cities such as Chennai, Bengaluru, and Kolkata have already started changing their cooking methods. Many kitchens now use wood fires instead of LPG stoves. Some owners burn scrap wood to continue serving food. This shift helps them manage operations during the fuel shortage. However, it also slows down cooking and increases effort. Several eateries have also reduced their menu. Dishes that require high gas consumption have temporarily disappeared. In some places, only basic food items remain available.

For example, a well-known Bengaluru eatery has stopped serving most dishes. The outlet earlier offered a menu of more than ten items. Now it mainly serves tea and coffee. Restaurant owners say LPG cylinders are still available in the black market. However, the prices are extremely high. Many businesses cannot afford these rates. Therefore, they prefer alternative cooking methods.

LPG Supply Crisis Hits Hospitality Sector

Hotel associations in cities like Chennai and Bengaluru have raised concerns about the shortage. They say restaurants provide essential services to hospitals, offices, and travellers. Because of this role, regular LPG supply remains important. Industry leaders have requested the government to restore stable distribution. Without fuel, many establishments may face temporary closure.

The situation looks similar in other cities as well. In Mumbai and Kolkata, several restaurants have already suspended operations. Some eateries report that their LPG stock may last only a few days. If fresh cylinders do not arrive soon, more kitchens could shut down. Rising fuel prices have made the problem even worse. A commercial LPG cylinder now costs significantly more than before.

The crisis connects directly to global developments. The Strait of Hormuz has faced disruptions during the conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran. This narrow waterway plays a key role in energy transport. India imports a large share of its LPG through this route. When shipments slow down, domestic supply also suffers.

Government officials say they are monitoring the situation closely. Authorities have asked refineries to increase LPG production for domestic needs. At the same time, imported cylinders are being prioritised for hospitals and other critical services. Despite these measures, the hospitality sector still faces challenges. If global tensions continue, the pressure on LPG supply may remain for some time.

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