Bengaluru's Food Ecosystem Grapples with LPG Shortage Amid West Asia Turmoil
The ongoing crisis in West Asia has triggered a severe shortage of commercial LPG in Bengaluru, now taking a deeper toll on the city's vibrant food ecosystem. Chicken shops across Bengaluru are reporting sharp losses and limited menu offerings, as the supply crunch disrupts daily operations and customer demand.
Ugadi Demand Day Turns Disappointing for Vendors and Customers
While the LPG shortage has affected eateries for nearly two weeks, its impact was felt more acutely on Friday, a traditionally high-demand day for non-vegetarian food during Ugadi (Hosatodaku). Many customers were left disappointed as shops struggled to meet expectations due to inadequate gas supplies.
Chicken vendors explained that certain varieties, particularly 'naati koli' (country chicken) and skin-on chicken, require sustained flame for proper cleaning and roasting. In the absence of adequate LPG, many shops have temporarily stopped selling these items, restricting their menus to skinless chicken only.
Vendors Voice Struggles and Business Losses
Prathap, a chicken shop owner in Chandapura, shared his plight: "For the past 15 days, we have stopped selling country chicken, and even skin chicken is unavailable. We are struggling to get LPG cylinders at any cost. Today (Friday), which should have been a big business day, turned out to be very bad for us."
He emphasized that country chicken needs intense flame to singe off feathers and clean the meat, while skin-on chicken must be thoroughly roasted to ensure hygiene—making LPG essential for these processes.
Attaulla Sharaff, who runs a shop near Lalbagh Main Gate, noted that the situation has worsened as existing gas stocks have run out. "We have not received commercial LPG for almost 15 days. People mostly prefer skin chicken, and when we don't have it, they simply walk away. We have lost nearly 40% of our customers," he said.
A vendor from Kabalamma Chicken Centre in JP Nagar echoed these concerns, stating, "I am not selling country chicken because I don't have LPG supply." This shortage is steadily hurting business across the city.
Consumer Plans Disrupted by Limited Options
The LPG shortage has also disrupted consumer plans, forcing many to seek alternatives. Muniraju Reddy, a resident of BTM Layout, recounted his experience: "My father wanted 'naati koli saaru' Friday, but many shops were not selling country chicken, citing LPG shortage. Even skin chicken wasn't available. With no options left, I had to order regular skinless chicken online."
This shift highlights how the crisis is altering dining habits and pushing customers towards online solutions when local shops cannot fulfill traditional demands.
Broader Implications and Future Concerns
The commercial LPG shortage, linked to geopolitical tensions in West Asia, underscores the vulnerability of Bengaluru's food supply chain to global events. As vendors grapple with reduced sales and operational challenges, the city's culinary landscape faces potential long-term impacts if the crisis persists.
Authorities and stakeholders are urged to address this issue promptly to support local businesses and maintain the rich food culture that defines Bengaluru.
