Pune restaurateurs warn of mass shutdowns amid LPG crisis across Maharashtra

Workers unload LPG cylinders from a truck for distribution amid reports of cooking gas shortage. Representation pic/istock

The West Asia conflict has begun squeezing fuel supplies in India, and Pune's hospitality sector is already feeling the heat. Commercial LPG supply to hotels and restaurants in the city has been halted, raising fears of widespread shutdowns across the food industry. Industry bodies warn that if supplies are not restored within days, thousands of eateries could close temporarily, disrupting daily meals for residents and threatening the livelihoods of thousands of workers dependent on the sector.

Global ripple effect triggered the crisis

• War disrupting crude oil and LPG flows
• Fuel allocation prioritised for domestic households
• Commercial supply temporarily suspended

Suppliers say the decision aims to prevent shortages for household cooking gas.

Industry alarm

Ganesh Shetty

President, Pune Restaurants and Hoteliers Association (PRAHA)

"The condition is very bad. There is no government relief or solution yet. Commercial gas supply has been completely stopped and there is no stock available. If no solution is found within two days, nearly 80 per cent of hotels may shut."

Supply chain reality

Manav Kamble

Amrapali Gas Agency, Chinchwad

"Commercial cylinders stopped from Friday. Only hospital-related supply is continuing. Domestic consumers can now book cylinders only once every month."

Authorities have also invoked the Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA) to control supply and prevent hoarding.

Catering sector hit

Sanket Mulay

Parampara Catering Services

"A cylinder that normally costs R900 is selling for nearly Rs 2300 in the black market, and even then it's hard to get."

What may disappear from menus

If shortages persist, eateries warn some dishes may vanish temporarily:

• Dosa and tawa items
• High-heat street food
• Slow-cooked meals

Restaurant workers say such items require continuous gas usage and may become difficult to prepare.

Government checks begin

The Food and Civil Supplies Department has launched inspections of gas distributors to check:

• Stock levels
• Delivery records
• Possible hoarding

Officials say strict action will be taken against distributors found violating supply rules.

New LPG booking rules

Authorities have also urged citizens not to pay any charges for gas safety inspections, which remain free of cost.