How LPG shortage forcing railways and restaurants to change how they cook

The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation has directed catering units at railway stations in its western zone to shift to microwave and induction plates and maintain stocks of ready-to-eat food items for passengers.

In a communication dated March 10, IRCTC asked operators of food plazas, refreshment rooms and ‘Jan Ahaars’ to switch to alternative arrangements amid concerns over possible LPG shortage.

This advisory comes in the backdrop of the widening conflict in West Asia that may affect the supply of commercial LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) cylinders.

“You must switch over to alternate cooking modes viz. microwaves and induction, to offset any potential shortage in LPG supplies,” the advisory reads.

The catering units have also been asked to maintain sufficient inventory of ready-to-eat food items in addition to standard packaged and cooked food items to meet passenger demand.

Hotels, restaurants hit

A supply crunch of commercial cooking gas has already begun to hit hotels, restaurants and other businesses across several Indian cities after the government prioritised domestic LPG supply.

The Centre has invoked provisions of the Essential Commodities Act and issued the Natural Gas (Supply Regulation) Order, 2026, directing that available natural gas and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) components be prioritised for household consumption, compressed natural gas (CNG) used in vehicles and LPG production.

The move comes as the war in the Middle East has disrupted liquefied natural gas (LNG) shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most critical energy chokepoints through which nearly a fifth of global oil trade passes.

“The ongoing conflict in the Middle East has resulted in the disruption of liquefied natural gas shipments through the Strait of Hormuz and suppliers have invoked force majeure clause,” the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas said in its order.

Under the revised allocation framework, supply to domestic piped natural gas (PNG), CNG for transport, LPG production and essential pipeline operations has been placed in the top priority category, with supplies to be maintained at 100% of their past six-month average consumption.

Businesses hit by commercial LPG shortage

The prioritisation of domestic LPG has triggered a shortage of commercial LPG cylinders used by restaurants, hotels and other establishments, forcing many businesses to curtail operations.

Several hotels and restaurants in Bengaluru said they were running on existing stocks and may be forced to shut once supplies run out.

Hotelier Chandrashekhar Hebbar said establishments were already cutting down on menu items to conserve fuel.

“It has reached that level now — to the point where closure is being considered. For now everyone is trying to manage by reducing gas consumption, but that can be done only for a day or two,” he told PTI.

In Puducherry, some hotels have shifted to low-fuel menus to stretch existing supplies of cooking gas.

“We have introduced sales of coffee, tea or juice only between 4 pm and 7 pm instead of usual tiffin items,” a hotel owner said.

A dealer supplying LPG cylinders said commercial refills have stopped as oil companies have been directed to prioritise domestic consumers.

“We are not getting refills for the commercial sector and have been asked to prioritise supply only for domestic LPG consumers,” the dealer said.

Closures reported in some cities

In Chennai and parts of Tamil Nadu, a section of hotels and restaurants declared a temporary closure on Wednesday due to lack of commercial LPG supplies.

“Due to lack of LPG supply, March 11, 2026 has been declared a holiday,” a notice displayed outside a popular eatery in the city said.

Some restaurants have also reduced the number of dishes served, focusing on food items that require less cooking gas.

“We have removed dosa varieties and will prepare only limited items like idli and variety rice since those require less LPG,” a hotel owner said.

Hospitality industry seeks govt intervention

Industry bodies have urged the government to ensure a steady supply of commercial LPG to prevent widespread disruption to the hospitality sector.

The Federation of Himachal Hotels and Restaurant Association (FOHHRA) has written to Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri seeking immediate steps to stabilise the supply chain.

Hotels, restaurants, dhabas and catering establishments depend heavily on LPG for cooking, and any disruption directly affects their ability to operate, the association said.

States warn of impact on businesses

Maharashtra Food and Civil Supplies Minister Chhagan Bhujbal said commercial LPG availability may be reduced further as oil companies have been instructed to prioritise domestic consumers.

“There are clear instructions from the Central government to prioritise domestic gas. Hence, in due course there will be a reduction in commercial gas supply,” he said in a video message.

The minister acknowledged that the move could adversely affect the hospitality industry, particularly in cities like Mumbai.

Firewood supply

The Uttarakhand government has begun preparations to provide firewood for commercial use if required.

Uttarakhand Forest Minister Subodh Uniyal said the current situation resembles a crisis scenario.

"With war-like conditions prevailing in several Middle Eastern countries, a shortage of gas cannot be ruled out," he said.

The government has instructed the Uttarakhand Forest Development Corporation to ensure the availability of wood so that businesses can use it as an alternative fuel in case the gas shortage worsens.