West Asia Conflict Triggers LPG Crisis, Shuts Down Delhi Restaurants
The ongoing war in West Asia has sent shockwaves through Delhi's restaurant industry, with at least 12 eateries forced to suspend operations on Wednesday due to a severe scarcity of commercial LPG cylinders. The disruption in supply, stemming from the Israel-Iran conflict, has left restaurant owners scrambling for alternatives as stocks dry up rapidly.
Restaurant Owners Face Immediate Shutdowns
Restaurant owners report that limited LPG stock available over recent days has now vanished, compelling temporary closures. Anurag Katriar, founder of Indigo Hospitality, highlighted the dire situation, stating, "Cylinders are not available even in the grey market." He is coordinating with affected restaurant owners, who are exploring options like induction-based cooking to reopen within a day or two.
PNG Supply Also Under Pressure
Hoteliers express growing concern as even Piped Natural Gas (PNG), which had previously kept Delhi in a better position than other cities, now faces constraints. Amit Bagga, co-founder of Daryaganj Hospitality, warned, "IGL, which supplies PNG, has issued an advisory of a 20% cut in supply, so a major number of restaurants may be forced to shut down." A communication from Ambience Mall in Vasant Kunj, quoting an IGL advisory, confirmed that supplies to industrial and commercial customers are restricted to 80% of their average consumption from March 11.
The advisory recommends outlets keep electrical cooking appliances as backup to ensure continuity. IGL officials stated this measure follows government notifications to prioritize supply to essential sectors.
Personal Accounts of the Crisis
Meher Tandon, owner of Kashmir Chur Chur Naan in Paharganj, shared his plight: "We had supply only for today. From tomorrow, we won't be able to open because we currently have zero stock and zero supply, with no backup." His restaurant typically uses three to four cylinders daily but has been managing with just one recently.
Industry Warns of Wider Implications
Industry representatives caution that the crisis could escalate if supplies are not restored soon. Zorawar Kalra, vice-president of the National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI), which represents over 500,000 restaurants, explained, "Many restaurants have moved to truncated menus around the country. Others may be completely out of LPG by the weekend. Supplies are dwindling and depleting rapidly." He urged the government to recognize the restaurant industry as an essential service and ensure priority access to commercial LPG cylinders.
Impact on Legal Community
The crisis even affected the lawyers' canteen at Delhi High Court on Wednesday, forcing it to discontinue its main course menu due to cooking gas unavailability. However, services resumed after LPG supply was secured for the day, according to management.
As the West Asia conflict continues, Delhi's culinary scene faces unprecedented challenges, with restaurant owners and industry leaders calling for immediate government intervention to avert a full-blown shutdown.
