Buffets stopped, party bookings cancelled, no meal options for guests: Lucknow’s restaurant industry battles LPG crisis

To manage basic meals for employees, the hotel has arranged induction cooktops. “We have about 30 staff members, so we arranged induction units just to cook food for them. But these cannot support restaurant operations,” Agarwal said.

Across Lucknow, like several cities across the country, restaurants and hotels said they are facing a severe shortage of commercial LPG cylinders, forcing many establishments to cut services, suspend dining operations, restrict menus or explore electric cooking alternatives.

Another restaurant owner said they have removed dosa from the menu temporarily, as it requires constant high heat to be maintained on the tawa, and other such items that consume more fuel.

While the government maintained that there is no shortage and warned against creating panic, restaurant owners said their existing cylinder stock has been exhausted and refills are either delayed or unavailable, disrupting kitchen operations across the city.

“Several restaurants have reduced breakfast services, with some limiting buffets or discontinuing them altogether. Others have stopped accepting party or banquet bookings, fearing they may not have enough fuel to run kitchens,” said Garish Oberoi, Secretary of the Federation of Hotel and Restaurants Association of India.

The government has assured us that the situation would be normal within the next few days, he said. “But if it isn’t, many would have to completely shut down operations.”

Sources said with domestic consumers being prioritised, commercial establishments are bearing the brunt.

Jagdish Raj, president of the All-India LPG Distributors’ Association (UP Chapter), said at present, no invoices are being issued for commercial cylinders as the focus is on domestic supply.

Dealers said domestic bookings have surged sharply in recent days, adding pressure on the system.

“There is no crisis of domestic supply but it has been artificially created by panic on social media. The demand has more than doubled — despite the 25-day waiting period — placing an extra burden on distributors. Even those who have piped gas supply are ordering LPG cylinders…,” said Raj.

“We are issuing an appeal to people not to make panic bookings. Supply may take four-five days instead of earlier two days because of the surge in the demand,” he added.

People queue up to book LPG cylinders at an Indane gas agency in Lalbagh area of Lucknow on Tuesday. PTI

Another distributor said, “There is supply and cylinders are being filled at plants. But when people panic and start booking or trying to procure additional cylinders, the demand suddenly doubles and the system is put under stress. Servers are crashing.”

Industry estimates suggest that Uttar Pradesh’s LPG demand has reached 20,000 metric tonnes per day against regular demand of 10,000 metric tonnes earlier, with distribution taking place within limits fixed for each dealership.

Is there a shift to induction cooking?

Many establishments are now exploring electric cooking systems as an alternative.

Some restaurant operators recently visited the Aahar exhibition in Delhi to look at commercial induction equipment and other electric kitchen technologies.

Suppliers said larger establishments can install high-end electric cooking systems, but the investment can begin from Rs 10 lakh. Smaller commercial induction units, suitable for frying and basic cooking, range between Rs 20,000 and Rs 30,000, while medium-scale setups can cost Rs 50,000 or more.

“…  Some larger units are exploring electrical options, which might be expensive and not that cost effective but that is the only option that remains considering that their current fire safety NOCs would not allow use of kerosene and other alternatives,” Oberoi said.

However, switching to electric cooking is not always feasible owing to the power it consumes.

Restaurant operators said commercial induction equipment consumes more than 3 kilowatts of power, which many establishments’ existing electrical connections cannot support without upgrades.

Hotels and restaurants also cannot switch to kerosene or other fuel because of strict fire safety norms.

Restaurant associations said if the situation does not improve soon, more establishments may have to temporarily shut operations.

“The ground reality is that commercial kitchens are facing a crisis. If the supply does not stabilise in the next three to five days, many small and medium restaurants may have no option but to close temporarily,” an industry representative said.

Government advisory to districts

Amid reports of shortages and panic buying, the Uttar Pradesh Chief Secretary issued a directive to all District Magistrates on March 12 to ensure smooth supply of petroleum products including LPG, petrol and diesel. The advisory followed a video conference held by the Union Home Secretary on March 11 regarding the supply situation.

The state government asked district administrations to:

-Inform the public that there is no shortage of petrol, diesel or LPG in the state.

-Ensure domestic LPG consumers are given priority in supply.

-Keep strict monitoring on social media messages and videos that may create panic about fuel shortages.

-Maintain law and order during gas cylinder distribution.

-Take action against black marketing or illegal sale of LPG cylinders.

-Ensure adequate security for LPG distribution vehicles.

-Set up help desks or call centres to address consumer complaints regarding gas distribution.

-Officials also directed district authorities to coordinate with oil companies, police and supply department officials to maintain smooth distribution.