New Delhi: The shortage of commercial LPG cylinders in the capital, including Delhi, has raised concerns among the business community. Following the latest directives issued by oil companies (HPCL, IOCL), thousands of hotel, restaurant, and restaurant owners in Delhi are facing the challenge of keeping their stoves burning. A viral letter from petroleum companies on social media, urging commercial customers to seek alternative fuels, has only added fuel to the fire.
Due to the deepening war crisis in West Asia and the sharp rise in gas prices in the international market, the government has decided to prioritize domestic consumers. Following the central government’s March 5 directive, companies have made it clear that until the supply chain normalizes, refilling of cylinders for commercial use will be drastically reduced. Direct impact on Delhi’s food market: The impact of this decision is already visible in major food hubs like Chandni Chowk, Connaught Place, and Karol Bagh. The price of a 19-kg commercial cylinder in Delhi has now exceeded ₹1,883. Many gas agencies have clearly told restaurant owners that it will be difficult to take new orders until further notice. However, it is a relief that supplies to hospital and educational institutions’ messes have been continued for now under the “essential services” category.
Cooking methods are changing: resorting to electricity and PNG: To avoid the gas crisis, Delhi’s businessmen have now started working on Plan B. Officials of the Federation of Delhi Hotel and Restaurant Association say that induction and combi-ovens are the only options left. Rakesh Khanna, president of the local restaurant union, said, “This decision is going to be a backbreaking one for small businesses. We can’t suddenly convert our entire setup to electric. If supply isn’t restored soon, the cost of a meal is bound to increase.”
Experts believe that Indraprastha Gas Limited’s PNG connection is the safest option for Delhi. However, the lack of pipeline expansion in Delhi’s narrow streets remains a major obstacle. Currently, businesses are eagerly awaiting the Petroleum Ministry’s next move.
Kejriwal takes aim at the government
Kejriwal wrote on Twitter,
“LPG gas supply has been stopped across the country to all commercial establishments, except educational institutions and hospitals. Gas will be provided only for domestic use. The gas and oil situation is expected to worsen in the coming days. Modi is bowing to Trump due to his own compulsions. Is the country suffering the consequences of that today?”
