The Iran-Israel conflict is causing a severe commercial LPG (cooking gas) shortage in India due to disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, forcing restaurants in Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Chennai to close, reduce hours, or trim menus. Roughly 20% of Mumbai’s restaurants have already shut down, with warnings of 50% closures within days if supply doesn’t normalize.
It has impacted heavily on the hospitality sector forcing restaurants in Bengaluru Chennai and Mumbai to pull shutters down owing to lack of
commercial LPG
Reportedly, the crisis stems from a 90% reliance on Middle East imports, and with the Strait of Hormuz blocked, supply has halted.
Many eateries are limiting menus (e.g., serving only tea/coffee) or reducing operating hours to conserve remaining fuel.
It has also prioritized households to ensure enough gas for domestic users, commercial LPG supplies to hotels, restaurants, and malls which have been restricted or halted.
Impact on services: The shutdown of thousands of eateries is heavily affecting, workers, students, and travelers who rely on affordable food services.
The Tamil Nadu government has held meetings to discuss alternatives and urged the central government to ensure supply for commercial establishments.
The situation is being termed as a “shortage” or “short-term shock” that could severely impact the restaurant industry if it continues.
Notedly, the ripple effect and the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global energy transit route has severely impacted.
In Bengaluru customers dine inside Vidyarthi Bhavan restaurant.
All said the shockwaves of a war being fought around 3,000 km away in Iran are now being felt in India’s kitchens and by hotels and restaurants that rely heavily on commercial LPG cylinders.
News Edit KV Raman
