A severe shortage of commercial LPG cylinders has triggered alarm across the hospitality sector in Maharashtra and Karnataka, with restaurant associations warning that eateries could shut down within days if supplies are not restored. Restaurants in cities like Mumbai and Bengaluru are already struggling to secure cooking gas, forcing many establishments to consider suspending operations.

Industry representatives say commercial LPG deliveries have largely stopped since Sunday, while domestic cylinder supplies are facing delays of up to eight days due to increased demand. Restaurant owners report that some suppliers are selling cylinders at higher prices amid the scarcity.

The crisis is linked to global supply disruptions caused by the ongoing West Asia conflict following recent US and Israel strikes on Iran. In response, the government has prioritised LPG supply for domestic households and essential sectors such as hospitals and educational institutions.

The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has directed oil refineries to increase LPG production and set up a committee to review supply requests from restaurants and other industries. Industry bodies have urged the Centre to intervene quickly, warning that prolonged shortages could severely disrupt food services in major Indian cities.