The commercial capital is grappling with a severe shortage of commercial LPG, leaving the hospitality sector in a state of distress. Supply constraints have already forced nearly 20% of Mumbai’s restaurants to pull down their shutters. The crisis, which is now spreading to other major metros, has prompted the Central Government to intervene by forming a high-level committee to assess the situation.
Over the past few weeks, the irregular supply of commercial gas cylinders has left hotel and restaurant owners struggling to keep their kitchens running. According to the Mumbai Hotel Association, the lack of adequate fuel is making daily operations unsustainable. Small and medium-sized eateries are the hardest hit, and industry experts fear that the number of closures could rise significantly if the supply chain is not stabilized immediately.
To address the escalating crisis, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has constituted a special committee. The primary objectives of this committee include: Investigating the root cause of the sudden supply deficit in commercial gas. Analyzing whether the shortage is due to international market fluctuations or internal distribution bottlenecks. Drafting a roadmap to normalize supply within the coming months.
Amidst the commercial gas turmoil, the Petroleum Ministry has also issued a new directive for domestic consumers. It has been mandated that households cannot book a second LPG cylinder within 25 days of their previous booking. While the government has assured the public that there are sufficient stocks for domestic use, this measure is reportedly aimed at curbing black marketing and ensuring a disciplined distribution system during this period of transition.
The ripple effects of the Mumbai crisis are being felt in other major cities like Kolkata, Delhi, and Bengaluru. Hotel associations across these regions have warned that unless a balance is restored between fuel prices and supply, the cost of dining out could soon become unaffordable for the general public.
