Mall food courts curtail LPG use to make stock last

Kolkata: Mall authorities in Kolkata urged food and beverage (F&B) units at restaurants and food courts on their premises to reduce LPG consumption by half to ensure that the depleting stock can last over this weekend.

At Acropolis Mall, the consumption of LPG reduced from 250 kg per day to 150 kg, with outlets crunching the menu and temporarily removing items that needed to be cooked on a high flame.


"We requested F&B units to shift a portion of their cooking activities to electrically operated equipment wherever feasible, reducing dependence on LPG-based appliances. Additionally, staff were encouraged to use electric induction ranges, electric boilers, and other energy-efficient electric cooking appliances for certain preparations. These steps collectively helped lower LPG usage while maintaining operational efficiency in the kitchens," said Merlin Group corporate GM (retail and hospitality) Subhadip Basu.

At South City Mall, which has eight restaurants and a 1,400-seater food court, LPG consumption has reduced by around 35% so that the units can operate until alternatives are in place. A restaurant manager at the mall said competitors turned collaborators, sharing best practices and innovations so that they could tackle the crisis together.

"This is like the Covid scenario when everyone cooperated to ensure survival. Now, customers are there, and so are all ingredients. I am sure we will overcome the fuel challenge," the manager said.

At the two City Centre malls in Salt Lake and New Town, LPG consumption is down by 25%. While several units have put electric appliances in place, the mall authorities have also asked them to be cautious and avoid electricity overload.

"The high-wattage commercial-grade electric cooktops, grills, and ovens can burn a lot of electricity and be hazardous unless there is adequate capacity. One has to apply for additional load, which is time-consuming. For the time being, we are asking units to reduce tandoor and other items that require high energy," said Ambuja Neotia whole-time director Ramesh Pandey.

While Quest Mall has enough reserve to last a week, CEO Sanjeev Mehra hopes the situation will be resolved soon. "Shifting completely to electric may not be feasible. Also, doing Chinese, which requires a high flame, may be a challenge. This is uncharted territory for most. Let us see how the situation evolves," he said.