The shortage has disrupted daily operations across eateries, with inconsistent supply and limited allocation affecting overall business viability.
A representative of the Greater Kailash-based Tadka Rani restaurant, which operates multiple outlets, said the situation has worsened in recent days, with supply falling significantly short of demand.
“In the past 10 days, we have received just one cylinder, whereas we require around 13 cylinders per day across our three branches. We have been in touch with Indraprastha Gas Limited (IGL). Initially, they said domestic consumers were their priority, but now they are at least engaging with us,” the representative said.
He added that the shortage has resulted in operational losses and forced businesses to adapt to stay afloat.
“We are facing significant losses. We have modified recipes and reduced our menu to manage operations. Many restaurants have already shut down. We are still in survival mode and hoping for some relief in April,” he said.
Mohit, a staff member at My Yellow Cafe in Shaikh Sarai, said the outlet has not received any LPG cylinders despite placing a request two weeks ago.
“We are currently relying on electric appliances as we have not received any cylinders yet. We are serving items that require minimal cooking. This has affected our services, and some regular customers, mostly students from nearby colleges, have stopped coming due to limited menu options,” he said.
Amit Gupta, general secretary of the New Delhi Traders’ Association in Connaught Place, said restaurants are receiving only a fraction of what they need.
“Restaurants that require around 10 cylinders are getting just one, that too at a higher cost. Many are operating on electric appliances, which is not sustainable in the long run,” he said.
Similarly, a staff member at QBA in Connaught Place, Ravindra, said, “We are receiving LPG cylinders but the supply remains inconsistent and far below our daily requirement. As a result, we are managing operations partly on gas and partly using electric cooking appliances. This has somehow affected the service.”
Delhi Food and Supplies Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa said the government has taken steps to address the issue by increasing cylinder allocation.
In a post on X, Sirsa said the allocation of commercial LPG cylinders has been increased from 20 per cent to 50 per cent of the average daily consumption.
He added that strict action is being taken against black marketing and hoarding, while assuring both residents and businesses of uninterrupted supply.
According to the minister, the allocation has been raised from 1,800 to 4,500 cylinders (19 kg equivalent) per day.
Manpreet Singh, secretary of the National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI), said closures among restaurants are rising due to the ongoing supply constraints.
“The number of restaurants that are getting shut is increasing. While the supply situation is somewhat better, it remains inconsistent. The stock that needs to come in is not arriving as required,” he added.