Restaurants staring at losses amid irregular LPG supply
As irregular LPG supplies hit kitchens across Delhi, many restaurants are staring at losses, with some fearing temporary closure after being left with stock for only a day or two. As irregular LPG supplies grip kitchens across Delhi, 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. However, if the disruption continues, smaller establishments may struggle to handle rising costs without affecting staff wages.
With the widening West Asia conflict, the government has prioritised the allocation of domestically produced natural gas for LPG production, compressed natural gas (CNG) and piped cooking gas sectors.
Under the revised allocation, the requirements of these sectors will be fully met before being supplied to other industries, according to a gazette notification.
Manpreet Singh, Honorary Treasurer of the National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI), said that many establishments in Delhi are not receiving regular LPG supplies, with several of them shifting to alternatives like piped natural gas and induction cooking.
He said restaurants are promoting dishes that require less gas or are cooking larger quantities using induction appliances.
If the situation continues, the rising costs will affect staff wages and employment, particularly in the unorganised sector. Restaurants may have to reduce the variety of food they offer and rely more on bulk cooking of certain dishes, Singh said.
Small restaurant owners say they are facing operational stress due to irregular supplies. The owner of Shahdara’s Urban Kebab said their LPG stock has run out, and irregular supply is making daily kitchen operations difficult.
Students forced to eat outside
New Delhi: Concern over LPG supply has come to haunt Capital residents and students alike, with many households turning to induction stoves, risking higher electricity bills, while students in rented accommodations are forced to increasingly rely on ordered meals as the widening West Asia conflict disrupts energy supplies.
Resident groups said the situation is fuelling panic among families who have limited LPG stock, with uncertainty over when they will get refills.
Atul Goyal, president of the United Residents of Joint Association (URJA), an umbrella body representing about 2,500 RWAs across Delhi, said several residents have approached the organisation complaining that they are unable to get LPG cylinders and are forced to rely on alternatives.
“There are people who are coming to us saying they are not getting gas cylinders anywhere and are forced to use induction stoves. But they are worried this will lead to a significant increase in electricity bills and are unsure how long they can continue like this,” Goyal said.
The government has revised the priority order for allocating domestically-produced natural gas, placing LPG production, besides that of CNG and piped cooking gas, at the top.
BN Jha, president of the Mukherjee Nagar RWA, said the issue is particularly affecting students who live alone or in paying guest (PG) accommodations in the area, which has a large student population.
He said several students have reported that they are unable to get LPG refills and are therefore compelled to rely on outside food, increasing daily expenses. In some PG accommodations, the shortage has also reportedly led to a drop in meal services.
