The ongoing shortage of commercial LPG cylinders is beginning to hit the food industry hard, with restaurants in several cities struggling to keep their kitchens running. In Bengaluru, the situation has already forced at least one newly opened restaurant to temporarily shut down operations within a week of launching, highlighting the growing impact of the supply crunch on businesses.

Kawaljeet Singh, a Delhi-based restaurateur who recently expanded to Bengaluru, said he had to close his newly opened outlet in HSR Layout due to the lack of cooking gas. Singh had inaugurated the branch on March 6, but operations were halted within days as commercial LPG cylinders became difficult to procure in the city.

HSR Layout

Sharing the update on X, Singh wrote, "We have to remain closed temporarily due to gas shortage in Bangalore. My heart is broken but the spirits are alive. We will come back stronger once the gas situation improves."

His post quickly gained traction online, sparking a discussion about how the commercial LPG shortage could disrupt restaurants and food businesses if the supply situation does not improve soon.

Bangalore My

Several users, including those who claimed to be restaurant owners, said they were already feeling the pressure. One user commented that their establishment had started limiting menu options because of the uncertainty around gas availability. "We are operating with selected menu items, and that too for a few more days. Very bad scenario," the user wrote.

Users suggest alternate cooking methods

Others suggested that restaurant owners should explore alternative cooking methods to deal with such disruptions. One commenter advised new entrepreneurs in the food business to consider backup fuel options or introduce cold menu items that require minimal cooking. "It can help keep the business running during tough times," the user wrote.

Bengaluru

Some also pointed out that induction cooktops could serve as a temporary alternative, noting that the appliances often cost less than a commercial LPG cylinder, though restaurants would need compatible cookware for them.

The concerns come as reports emerge that the LPG shortage is affecting multiple segments of Bengaluru's food ecosystem. Several hotels and restaurants in the city have reportedly begun cutting down menu items or limiting operations, while some paying guest (PG) accommodations that cater to students and tech workers have also warned residents about possible food restrictions due to the lack of commercial gas.

We have to remain closed temporarily due to gas shortage in Bangalore. My heart is broken but the spirits are alive. We will come back stronger once the gas situation improves.

Where this fits

Menus are the clearest record of what diners actually wanted, since every change reflects something that did or did not sell.

The short version

  • The ongoing shortage of commercial LPG cylinders is beginning to hit the food industry hard, with restaurants in several cities struggling to keep their kitchens running
  • Kawaljeet Singh, a Delhi-based restaurateur who recently expanded to Bengaluru, said he had to close his newly opened outlet in HSR Layout due to the lack of cooking gas
  • Sharing the update on X, Singh wrote, "We have to remain closed temporarily due to gas shortage in Bangalore
  • His post quickly gained traction online, sparking a discussion about how the commercial LPG shortage could disrupt restaurants and food businesses if the supply situation does not improve soon
  • Several users, including those who claimed to be restaurant owners, said they were already feeling the pressure

Questions worth asking

What should you know about Bengaluru?

In Bengaluru, the situation has already forced at least one newly opened restaurant to temporarily shut down operations within a week of launching, highlighting the growing impact of the supply crunch on businesses.

What happens next?

Kawaljeet Singh, a Delhi-based restaurateur who recently expanded to Bengaluru, said he had to close his newly opened outlet in HSR Layout due to the lack of cooking gas.

All told

The details will firm up over the coming months. What is already clear is that this is unlikely to be the last we hear of it.