Bengaluru hotels and commercial establishments struggle amid LPG supply crunch, authorities stress no household shortage

The city’s food and hospitality sector is grappling with the effects of a widening LPG supply disruption, even as authorities stress that domestic cooking gas supplies for households remain stable.
Bengaluru, home to thousands of commercial establishments including restaurants, hotels, cloud kitchens and messes that rely heavily on commercial grade LPG cylinders, has seen a ripple effect from recent supply constraints triggered by broader market disruptions.
The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has temporarily halted or restricted the supply of commercial LPG to non essential sectors, prioritising domestic users and critical services such as hospitals and hostels. This has put pressure on establishments that depend on 19 kg commercial cylinders, leading many eateries to trim menus,
shorten business hours and, in some cases, temporarily shut operations.
The Bengaluru Hotels Association warned that without a quick restoration of commercial LPG deliveries, several hotels could halt kitchen operations. Some service providers reported that supplies effectively stopped around March 10, creating a logistical challenge for food outlets that typically consume large volumes of cooking gas daily.
“Many of our members are struggling to keep kitchens running. While domestic households have sufficient supply, commercial establishments are facing uncertainty, and we urge authorities to ensure timely distribution of commercial cylinders to avoid disruption in services”
Reports indicate that over 100 eateries and hotels have temporarily shut operations due to the shortage of 19 kg commercial cylinders, while many others have reduced their menu offerings or shortened operating hours to cope. Some newer restaurants were forced to close even just days after opening because they could not secure sufficient gas supplies.

Inspections step up:
The Karnataka government, along with city police, has stepped up inspections at downs, warehouses and commercial premises to prevent stockpiling and black market diversion of LPG cylinders, a concern also linked to reports of misuse of subsidised domestic cylinders by some establishments in other districts. No FIRs have
been filed yet in Bengaluru as enforcement continues.
Local eateries have adapted by using alternative fuels like firewood or induction cooking where feasible, though these are seen as temporary measures due to higher cost and logistical limitations.
Authorities have urged residents and businesses not to panic, emphasising that household LPG supply is being protected and monitored, and that commercial supply issues are expected to ease in the coming week as distribution stabilises.

( Vignesh K,  is a student of Journalism at St.Joseph’s University, Bengaluru