Delhi: PNG supply also hit; some restaurants suspend operations, others may follow

NEW DELHI: The ripple effects of the disruption in LPG supply owing to the war in West Asia have begun to impact Delhi's restaurant sector, with at least 12 eateries shutting operations on Wednesday, citing a scarcity of commercial LPG cylinders.

Restaurant owners say the limited stock available over the past few days has begun to dry up, forcing these establishments to temporarily suspend operations. "Cylinders are not available even in the grey market," said Anurag Katriar, founder of Indigo Hospitality.




He said he had been coordinating with the owners of these restaurants. "They will take a day or two and come up with different arrangements — like moving to induction-based cooking if they are able to — before reopening," he said.

Hoteliers have also expressed concern that even PNG, which had kept Delhi in a slightly better position compared to other cities, is now facing constraints. "IGL, which supplies PNG, has issued an advisory of a 20% cut in supply, so a major number of restaurants may be forced to shut down," said Amit Bagga, co-founder of Daryaganj Hospitality.

"Supplies to all industrial and commercial customers are being restricted to 80% of their average consumption for the last six months with effect from 6am on 11th March," a communication by Ambience mall in Vasant Kunj, quoting IGL advisory, read.

"It is recommended that outlets keep electrical cooking appliances as a backup to ensure continuity of operations in case of any temporary interruption in supply of PNG," it told its tenants.

Officials at IGL said the advisory was issued according to govt notification to ensure supply to priority sectors.

Meher Tandon, owner of Kashmir Chur Chur Naan, a restaurant in Paharganj that has shut shop, told TOI: "We had supply only for today. From tomorrow, we won't be able to open because we currently have zero stock and zero supply, with no backup."

Tandon said his restaurant typically requires three to four cylinders a day, but over the past few days had been managing with just one cylinder.

Industry representatives said the crisis could have wider implications if supplies are not restored soon.

"Many restaurants have moved to truncated menus around the country. Others may be completely out of LPG by the weekend. Supplies are dwindling and depleting rapidly," said Zorawar Kalra, vice-president of NRAI, which represents over 5 lakh restaurants in India.

"We urge govt to recognise the restaurant industry as an essential service and ensure priority access to commercial LPG cylinders for restaurants and cloud kitchens," he said.

The lawyers' canteen at Delhi High Court was also impacted on Wednesday. It was forced to discontinue its ‘main course' menu owing to the unavailability of cooking gas in its kitchen. However, services resumed shortly after the LPG supply was secured for the day, according to the management.