LPG Shortage In India: Restaurants Turn To Jugaad Like Short Menus, Firewood Cooking & More

Restaurants in many cities across India are facing a new issue. There is a serious shortage of LPG cylinders. This has forced many eateries not just to shorten their menus but also to eliminate some dishes for the time being. Many restaurants are on the verge of closing, while some of them are deploying jugaads just to keep running. Here’s what restaurants in India are doing to stay afloat amid this LPG shortage crisis.

LPG Shortage In Indian Restaurants

The LPG cylinder shortage is believed to be linked to the ongoing conflict in West Asia. It has significantly disrupted fuel supplies in India. Several oil marketing companies have instructed LPG distributors to prioritise supplies to hospitals and educational institutions. As a result, the supply of LPG cylinders has been temporarily limited. This has affected many hotels and restaurants across the country.

Now, many restaurants are turning to jugaads to keep their customers happy. Some restaurants in Bengaluru have begun modifying their menus. According to a report by Moneycontrol, one hotel in Bengaluru, Sanctum Hotel in Gandhi Nagar, has issued a notice saying that due to the ongoing war in the Middle East, there is no proper fuel supply in the city. This is why they are unable to serve their full menu.

No Masala Dosas On The Menu

However, the restaurant also mentioned that the full menu service will resume once the supply of LPG cylinders starts again. But aren’t you curious to know about their jugaad? Apparently, they have stopped serving dishes like vadas and masala dosa because these dishes require a lot of fuel. The restaurant is now relying on bread items like sandwiches and tandoor dishes for customers.

Also Read: Will Bengaluru Hotels Shut Down Due To LPG Shortage Amid West Asia Conflict?

Restaurants Turn To Charcoal & Firewood

According to Moneycontrol, Sanctum Hotel in Gandhi Nagar, Bengaluru, has found another jugaad to deal with the crisis. Their kitchen is now relying on charcoal and firewood to manage cooking. Many South Indian restaurants have mentioned that dosa preparation requires a lot of LPG fuel because the tawa needs constant heat. This is why restaurants are replacing staples like dosas and vadas with sandwiches, grilled snacks and dishes that can be cooked without LPG.

Arun Adiga, owner of Vidyarthi Bhavan, an 83-year-old heritage South Indian eatery in Bengaluru, shared with Moneycontrol that the restaurant serves nearly 1800-2000 dosas daily. However, they have now decided to reduce the number of tawas used for making dosas so that cylinders can last a few hours longer. In Coimbatore, a renowned restaurant chain called Annapoorna has also decided to shorten its menu amid the LPG shortage crisis.

Jegan S Damodarasamy, CEO of Annapoorna Hotels, shared with The Hindu that it is the first time in 58 years that they have not served dosas in the afternoon. Not just Bengaluru and Chennai, several restaurants in Pune and Mumbai are also facing the same issue.

Induction-Based Cooking System In Eateries

Apart from sandwiches, many restaurants are also turning to serving meals like rice and sambar, which require less fuel. Some eateries are also considering induction-based cooking systems. However, there are challenges like high costs and the need for new electrical infrastructure. Induction equipment is expensive, and installing new systems cannot be done overnight.

Reportedly, the only possible options are wood-fired ovens, charcoal flames and electric fryers. For many restaurants, the gas may only last a few more days. After that, they might have to shut down operations until the issue is resolved.

Also Read: Are Your Swiggy & Zomato Food Orders At Risk Due To LPG Shortage At Restaurants In India?

What do you think of this latest crisis affecting Indian restaurants? Do share your thoughts with us in the comment section below.

Cover Image Courtesy: Canva Pro/ Yasin Onus (Representative Image)