Kolkata Restaurant Industry Reels from LPG Supply Suspension
The culinary landscape of Kolkata is facing an unprecedented crisis as a sudden halt in commercial LPG supply has forced several prominent eateries to shut down operations or adopt expensive alternatives. This development has sent shockwaves through the hospitality sector, with businesses scrambling to devise survival strategies amidst soaring production costs and operational disruptions.
Immediate Closures and Costly Shifts
In a drastic move, a city eatery chain has closed one of its popular restaurants and a café in south Kolkata after exhausting its LPG stock. Bread major Modern Foods and confectioner Mio Amore have transitioned to diesel-powered operations, resulting in a staggering 25% increase in production expenses. Meanwhile, biryani giant Arsalan is exploring the use of coal-fired ovens in suburban areas, while Wow! Momo considers relocating production to its Delhi base, which utilizes LNG.
Industry-Wide Scramble and Menu Curtailments
On Tuesday, eateries across Kolkata were urgently formulating contingency plans after LPG dealers indicated their inability to supply commercial cylinders starting Wednesday. Many establishments have already reduced their menus, limited operating hours, or are contemplating complete shutdowns once existing LPG reserves deplete. Distributors report having only about a day's stock of 19.5kg cylinders left, exacerbating the urgency.
Top sources within oil marketing companies revealed that production of commercial LPG for the non-regulated sector has been suspended. An official stated, "Whatever stock remains with dealers can be allocated to restaurants and hotels." This decision has left the industry in a precarious position, with popular venues like Peter Cat, Mocambo, Bar B Q, and Arsalan—which typically require around 250 cylinders monthly—facing severe shortages. Even smaller eateries, needing at least 30 cylinders per month, are grappling with the fallout.
Associations Appeal for Government Intervention
Both the National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI) and the Hotel and Restaurant Association of Eastern India (HRAEI) have penned urgent letters to Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, urging a reconsideration of the suspension. Sudesh Poddar, president of HRAEI, warned that the hospitality and food service industry could collapse if LPG supply is severed. "The industry relies heavily on commercial LPG for day-to-day operations. Any disruption will have severe operational impacts," he emphasized.
NRAI national president Sagar Daryani echoed these concerns, stating, "We understand the need to rationalize supply, but a complete stoppage would lead to widespread closures." Their appeals highlight the critical dependency on LPG for sustaining business activities.
Operational Challenges and Alternative Measures
Rajib Paul, owner of the Bawarchi group, was compelled to shutter Posto Rajbari restaurant in Patuli, Nest Café in Jadavpur, and Sundir Raja kitchen. "The situation is extremely bleak. We are using induction cookers for a limited menu but had to send employees on leave," he lamented. Other eateries are similarly curtailing menus, restricting hours, or weighing shutdowns.
Restaurateurs assert that a full transition to electric cooking is impractical. Pratap Daryanani of Oasis explained, "We boil water in electric kettles and prepare small portions during off-peak hours, but bulk cooking is impossible without redoing kitchens, ordering commercial equipment, and securing additional electricity load—a process that could take weeks."
Innovative Solutions and Regional Adjustments
Mughlai establishments are advocating for temporary permission to use coal-fired tandoors and ovens, currently prohibited within city limits, to navigate the crisis. Arsalan, which serves nearly 10,000 plates of biryani daily across 12 outlets, is considering preparing dishes in Barrackpore, Sodepur, and Barasat before transporting them to Kolkata locations. Syed Mozammal Haque of Arsalan noted, "We need 60-70 commercial cylinders daily. With no supply from Wednesday, we are actively seeking alternatives."
Nitin Kothari, proprietor of Peter Cat and Mocambo, mentioned that coal tandoors might be an option, though unsuitable for all dishes. "The situation is grim. If LPG supply ceases entirely, we will have to limit timing and menus, relying on electricity," he stated. Poddar, who owns Song Hay, Manthan, and MS Bar and Lounge, has instructed chefs to use electric cookers during lean periods, acknowledging the challenge of switching to heavy-duty induction cooktops.
Broader Impact on Food Sector
Sushanta Sengupta, founder director of Savourites (6 Ballygunge Place), highlighted the widespread repercussions: "This LPG crisis will severely affect the restaurant business. Over the past two days, we have received only 50% of requested orders from vendors. Bakeries and confectioneries will also suffer." Abhijit Chakraborty of Mio Amore confirmed plans to shift to diesel to maintain operations, mirroring local bread units that already use diesel ovens.
As Kolkata's eateries confront this supply chain disruption, the industry's resilience is being tested, with long-term implications for employment, culinary diversity, and economic stability in the region.
