LPG Shortage Shuts 20% of Mumbai Eateries, Industry Warns of Wider Closures

LPG Shortage Shuts 20% of Mumbai Eateries, Industry Warns of Wider Closures

A growing shortage of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) has forced nearly 20 percent of eateries across Mumbai to temporarily shut operations, according to industry representatives. Restaurant associations and food business owners warn that if the supply disruption continues, many more establishments could soon follow, putting thousands of jobs and daily food services at risk.

Restaurant owners say LPG is the backbone of commercial kitchens in the city, powering stoves used to prepare everything from street food to fine-dining meals. Over the past few weeks, delayed cylinder deliveries and limited supply have left many establishments unable to run their kitchens for full operating hours. Small and mid-sized eateries have been hit the hardest, as they typically lack backup fuel systems or the financial capacity to stockpile cylinders.

Industry groups report that the shortage has already disrupted daily operations in multiple neighborhoods, forcing some restaurants to cut down their menus, reduce operating hours, or temporarily close altogether. Street-side eateries and family-run restaurants have struggled the most, with many relying on daily cylinder deliveries to continue operations.

Restaurant associations have urged authorities and gas distributors to intervene quickly and stabilize the supply chain. They argue that the hospitality sector, which only recently recovered from pandemic-related losses, cannot afford another prolonged disruption. According to industry estimates, the restaurant sector in Mumbai employs tens of thousands of workers, including chefs, waiters, delivery staff, and support personnel.

Suppliers attribute the shortage to logistical bottlenecks, increased demand, and delays in cylinder distribution. However, restaurant owners say the problem has worsened in recent weeks and requires urgent attention from policymakers and fuel companies.

If the situation does not improve soon, industry leaders warn that closures could spread beyond Mumbai to other major cities that depend heavily on LPG for commercial cooking. This could disrupt food supply for office workers, students, and daily commuters who rely on affordable restaurant meals.

Restaurant bodies are now requesting emergency allocations of commercial LPG cylinders and better coordination between distributors and businesses to ensure consistent supply.

For now, many Mumbai eateries remain in a wait-and-watch mode, hoping that authorities will address the shortage before it escalates into a full-scale crisis for the city's vibrant food industry.