Restaurants in Mumbai are switching to electric induction stoves for staff meals and looking to tweak menus to conserve gas amid a shortage commercial LPG cylinders that threatens to disrupt their business.
While the government on Tuesday issued an order to regulate supply of natural gas to essential sectors, restaurants say there is no clarity on availability of the commercial cylinders.
As a consequence, as many as 50 per cent of eateries in Mumbai may have to temporarily shut shop, say executives of industry associations.
“We have started using electric induction stove to prepare staff meals, tea and rice based dishes. Some restaurants are looking to restrict their menus,” said Pranav Rungta, vice president of National Restaurant Association of India and owner of Nksha restaurant in Mumbai.
Sharda Bhavan restaurant in Matunga area of Mumbai has stopped serving onion uttapam and rava dosas in last few days as these take longer time to cook. “ But now we have almost run out gas and are exploring alternatives like electric induction stoves,” said it’s owner Ganesh Rao.
Over 90 per cent of half million plus restaurants and eateries across the country use LPG on cooking while reliance on piped gas is still limited in a few cities. As such disruption is leading to concerns of temporary shutdowns.
“We are already receiving reports of severe shortages from cities including Mumbai, Pune, Aurangabad and Nagpur, while similar disruptions are being reported in States such as Delhi, Karnataka, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. If the situation does not improve within the next two days, nearly 50 per cent of hotels and restaurants in Mumbai may be forced to temporarily shut operations depending on the current stock of cylinders,” said Pradeep Shetty, spokesperson, Hotel and Restaurant Association (Western India).
Royal Orchid Hotels president and founder of Iconiqa Hotels Arjun Baljee, however, expressed hope that supply situation will stabilise shortly.
“As of now there is no disruption to operations within the Royal Orchid portfolio. Our teams are taking proactive steps to ensure minimal impact on guest experience,” he said.
Published on March 10, 2026
