The ongoing West Asia conflict has disrupted LPG supplies in India, forcing a halt to commercial gas distribution in Pune. Industry bodies warn that over 10,000 restaurants, snack centres and mess facilities could face shutdowns if supplies are not restored soon
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.
|
Key number |
What it means |
|
10,000+ |
Restaurants, snack centres, and mess facilities in Pune |
|
80 per cent |
Eateries that could shut within 2–3 days |
|
1 cylinder/month |
New booking limit for domestic LPG |
|
Rs 900 |
Normal price of a commercial cylinder |
|
Rs 2300 |
Reported black-market price |
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
|
Sector |
Impact |
|
Wedding catering |
Rising costs, supply uncertainty |
|
Restaurants |
Menu cuts and limited operations |
|
Street food vendors |
Risk of shutdown |
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
|
Earlier |
New |
|
Booking every 15 days |
Gap of 25-30 days |
Authorities have also urged citizens not to pay any charges for gas safety inspections, which remain free of cost.
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