An ongoing shortage of commercial LPG cylinders in Mumbai is beginning to affect the wedding industry, forcing caterers to trim menus, reduce live cooking counters and switch to induction stoves as they struggle to manage events scheduled this weekend
A man tries to fit a cylinder into his car as the LPG crunch grows in the city. Pic/Satej Shinde
With several weddings scheduled across Mumbai this weekend, caterers, decorators and wedding planners say they are managing events day-to-day as the ongoing shortage of commercial LPG cylinders begins to affect the city’s wedding industry.
While restaurants and canteens have already been hit by the crisis, wedding caterers say they currently have just enough fuel to manage events scheduled over the next couple of days. Many families have been asked to trim menus and reduce live cooking counters that require continuous gas usage.
At the moment, the industry is trying to adapt rather than cancel bookings, but uncertainty remains over LPG supplies beyond the weekend.
Pankaj Kotecha (right) and nephew Raj Kotecha display their induction cooking setup at Sethia Banquets in Kandivli (West) as caterers adapt to the LPG crisis. Pic/Satej Shinde
Voices from the industry
Chandrabhan Joshi,
The Celebrity Banquet Hall, Kandivli
‘We still have some gas stock left and are managing with small-batch cooking on induction stoves. But it may not last long.’
Pankaj Kotecha,
Sethiya Banquet Hall, Raghuleela Mall
‘I cannot get LPG cylinders even though I have multiple orders. I had to invest in an industrial induction fleet despite uncertainty about returns. At many venues I will have to run them using diesel generators due to low power capacity. He added that existing bookings will not see price hikes, but future orders may include dynamic pricing.’
Stores in Dadar are witnessing an unprecedented demand for electric cooktops and appliances. Shop owners report items selling out rapidly with prices rising with each new stock. PIC/ASHISH RAJE
Sameer Parekh,
Parekh Outdoor Caterers, Ghatkopar
‘I do not want my customers stranded on their wedding day, so I have started cancelling bookings for the next one or two weeks. There is no response from liquified petroleum gas dealers.’
Cost of switching to induction
Estimated capital investment for caterers:
400 guests capacity: Rs 11 lakh
900 guests capacity: Rs 20 lakh
Commercial induction cooktops alone cost Rs 40,000+ per unit, according to caterers
Caterer Pankaj Kotecha at Sethia Banquets in Kandivli West. He is using newly purchased induction cooking equipment as caterers turn toalternatives amid the LPG shortage. Pic/Satej Shinde
Switching isn’t easy
Hurdles for caterers:
>> Lack of commercial PNG connections at venues
>> Insufficient electrical load for induction fleets
>> Restrictions on wood or smoke-producing fuels
>> High capital investment
Some caterers say renting a PNG-equipped commercial kitchen could double costs due to transport, rent and gas
Wedding season snapshot
Current weddings: Limited due to Ramzan and Lent
Exam season: Fewer celebrations
Next major wedding rush: Mid-April to May
Immediate cancellations: Minimal so far
Menus being trimmed
“Outdoor weddings usually have live counters serving Chinese, South Indian or Italian food, which require a lot of gas,” said Amit Sharma, owner of Golden Leaf Banquets in Malad.
“We have asked our clients to trim that section of their wedding menu so we can avoid cancelling orders altogether.”
Sharma said caterers have enough supplies for the weekend, but the future remains uncertain.
“We have invested in industrial induction cooktops and utensils so that at least some live counters can continue”
New bookings on hold
Banquet halls say they are receiving inquiries but are reluctant to confirm bookings until LPG supplies stabilise.
Mayur Patil, Vidyadhar Hall, Dadar
“A few people whose caterers cancelled came to us, but we could not promise anything because there is no guarantee about LPG supply.” Patil added that many halls are avoiding immediate bookings until the situation becomes clearer
Caterers trying workarounds
Some caterers say the impact has not yet peaked, but they are already adjusting operations.
Tanaz Godiwalla from A Parsi Affair, “We haven’t seen weddings cancelled yet. But we are reducing gas-heavy elements like live counters. If the shortage continues, catering costs may increase.”
Another caterer said the impact is limited due to Lent, which is an off-season for Christian weddings, but warned that the situation could change after first week of April
Not just weddings
The LPG shortage is also affecting religious ceremonies and smaller gatherings.
Borivli resident Avinash Pujari, who had planned a pooja at home this weekend, said
“The caterer told us they will only take orders from clients who provide their own LPG cylinder. Everything is arranged, but now things are uncertain”
Possible impact on wedding costs
Industry estimate: Catering prices could rise by up to 50 per cent if LPG shortages continue and caterers shift to alternative cooking methods
LPG price shock
Regular commercial LPG cylinder: Rs 1750
Reported current market rate: Rs 4000- Rs 5000
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