From induction cooktops and microwaves to firewood and solar options, restaurants, street food vendors and catering businesses across the country are scrambling for alternatives as a shortage of commercial LPG cylinders begins to disrupt kitchens amid the widening conflict in West Asia.
With the government prioritising domestic cooking gas supply to households as the war disrupts global fuel lifelines, businesses dependent on commercial LPG — from small eateries to high-end restaurants — are watching the situation anxiously, with some even staring at possible closure in the days to come.
In national capital Delhi, irregular LPG supply has gripped kitchens across the city and many restaurants are left with stock for a day or two, fearing temporary closure and concerns over staff wages. Industry representatives say many eateries in the capital are trying to manage the situation through adjustments.
The lawyers canteen at the Delhi High Court On Wednesday said it would halt its “main course” menu due to unavailability of cooking gas in its kitchen. However, services resumed shortly after securing LPG supply.
At the famous ‘Chappan Dukan’ street food hub in Madhya Pradesh’s Indore, vendors have begun swapping traditional gas burners for electric appliances to keep the city’s food culture alive.
The shopkeepers say they will also consider adopting solar-powered appliances if necessary.
Gunjan Sharma, president of the city’s 56-shop Chaat Chowpatty Traders Association, told PTI, “The supply of commercial LPG cylinders has been stopped. Therefore, we have purchased electric appliances and started using them.” Similar improvisations are being attempted elsewhere, with the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) asking catering units in its western zone to switch to microwave ovens and induction plates.