The impact of shortage of LPG cylinders in Mumbai is now visible on the hotel and restaurant industry. The Hotel and Restaurant Association claims that if the supply of LPG does not become normal soon, there may be a possibility of closure of the city’s restaurants in the next two days. The situation is worsening due to stoppage of supply of commercial gas and delay in delivery.
President of India Hotels and Restaurants Association (AHAR) Vijay Shetty has warned that the shortage of gas is increasing continuously. He said that if this situation continues then in the next two days Mumbai All restaurants may have to be closed. Till now, about 10 to 20 percent members of the association are facing problems in gas supply.
Vijay Shetty says that now the situation is worsening rapidly. By Tuesday this crisis may reach 60 percent of the restaurants. It is expected that 100 percent restaurants will be affected by the next day. He told that a letter has been written to the Petroleum Minister regarding this issue. Maharashtra Civil Supplies Minister Chhagan Bhujbal has also been contacted.
Oil refineries instructed to produce more LPG
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has issued a statement on the LPG crisis. According to this, in view of the current geopolitical disruptions in fuel supply and disruptions in LPG supply, oil refineries have been instructed to produce more. The ministry has said that this additional production will be used to meet domestic LPG requirements.
The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has decided to give priority to LPG supply to households. Along with this, an inter-booking period of 25 days has been implemented to prevent hoarding and black marketing. Non-domestic supply from imported LPG is currently being given on priority basis to essential sectors like hospitals and educational institutions.
At the same time, a committee of three executive directors of oil marketing companies has been formed to review the issues related to LPG supply in other non-domestic sectors. This committee will review the representation related to restaurants, hotels and other industries.
Increase in prices of commercial cylinders, an atmosphere of chaos
On the other hand, restaurant operators in Mumbai say that they are not able to get commercial LPG cylinders. Annu Shetty, who runs Hotel Sagar in Mulund, said that the supply of cylinders has stopped at many places. Wherever it is available, the price has increased. He said that the commercial LPG cylinder which was available for Rs 1750 is now being given for around Rs 1950.
With supply decreasing, the price is also increasing. The effect of gas shortage is also visible on domestic consumers. In houses where there are two cylinders, people have started booking refills quickly. Due to this, an atmosphere of chaos has been created at the dealer outlets. Domestic 14.2 kg cylinders are still available, but their delivery is being delayed.
After booking, one has to wait for 2 to 8 days to get the gas. On the other hand, people associated with the restaurant industry say that due to shortage of commercial gas, some people may use domestic cylinders. Although dealers call it illegal. Meanwhile, the government has said that there is no ban on the supply of commercial LPG cylinders.
Chennai Hotels Association also expressed concern over LPG
The restaurant industry says that this situation can affect not only hotels and restaurants but also the availability of food for the common people. The food industry is considered an essential service and it supplies food to many important places. Its impact is not limited to Mumbai only. Bangalore and Chennai Hotels Association have also expressed concern.
Chennai Hotels Association has written a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi appealing to ensure uninterrupted supply of LPG cylinders. In this letter written on March 9, 2026, it has been said that interruption in commercial LPG supply can have a serious impact on the food and hospitality sector. The association said that the food industry works round the clock.
It plays an important role in delivering food to hospitals, IT parks, college hostels, train passengers and business travelers. In such a situation, any interruption in gas supply will directly affect the convenience of the people. Chennai Hotels Association President M Ravi said that they still have only two days’ gas supply left. However, the government is taking necessary steps for this.
Instructions to give priority to the supply of domestic cylinders
According to sources, the government has directed all oil marketing companies to give priority to the supply of domestic cooking gas. Under this, companies like Indian Oil, Bharat Petroleum and Hindustan Petroleum have been asked to meet domestic needs first. To prevent hoarding among customers, the waiting time for cylinder delivery has been increased.
The government is also trying to increase LPG supply from alternative sources. For this, potential suppliers are being searched in many countries including Algeria, Australia, Canada and Norway. Representatives of Chennai and Bangalore Hotel Association can meet Petroleum Minister Hardeep Puri on March 11. It is hoped that a concrete solution can be found regarding gas supply.
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Input- Aishwarya Patil from Delhi
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