A shortage of cooking gas cylinders in Chennai is causing disruptions, leading many eateries to reduce operations or switch to alternative cooking methods like firewood and electric stoves. This scarcity is affecting both commercial and domestic LPG supplies, attributed to disruptions in fuel chains due to conflicts in West Asia. India’s reliance on imports from countries like Kuwait, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia for LPG production has significantly impacted gas availability.
The Central government has promised uninterrupted LPG cylinder supplies for households, prompting gas companies to prioritize domestic needs over commercial production. Consequently, restaurants and eateries in Chennai are struggling to obtain commercial cylinders, with some establishments resorting to limited menus or closure due to depleted stocks.
Many eateries are serving simplified dishes like tomato rice and tamarind rice that require less fuel, while some have shifted to cooking with charcoal, firewood, or electric stoves. This transition has led to a surge in firewood demand, driving up prices. Educational institutions, including hostels attached to colleges, are also grappling with gas shortages, prompting some to suspend hostel operations and move classes online.
Restaurant owners caution that without a prompt restoration of commercial gas supplies, numerous establishments may face permanent closure.
