LPG Crisis Hits India: Restaurants Shift to Diesel & Wood Stoves Amid Severe Cylinder Shortage

India is grappling with a growing LPG cylinder shortage, significantly affecting households and businesses nationwide. The Petroleum Ministry has acknowledged the situation as “slightly concerning,” though domestic consumers continue to receive limited supplies. Despite this, long queues outside distribution points indicate the severity of the crisis, with many households reverting to traditional cooking methods. Restaurants in major cities like Delhi are feeling the brunt of the shortage. Popular eateries such as Nagpal Di Hatti have resorted to cooking on diesel stoves due to unavailable gas cylinders. The shift has led to increased operational costs, as diesel and electricity expenses surpass LPG costs. In cities like Patna, home cooks and businesses are now relying on coal-fired stoves, driving up fuel prices and complicating meal preparation. Smaller roadside eateries are particularly hard-hit, struggling to source alternative fuels and facing delays in cooking that frustrate customers. Even in regions like Masuri and Baghpat, students and residents face disruptions to daily routines and meal schedules due to cylinder scarcity. Authorities have reported cases of black marketing in areas like Ghazipur, further straining supply chains. Government officials have assured that relief measures are forthcoming, but the nationwide situation highlights the vulnerability of India’s LPG distribution network. As urban centers and rural households adapt to fuel alternatives, the crisis underscores the urgent need for robust contingency planning in energy supply chains.

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