More than a week after a commercial LPG shortage hit Delhi, restaurants and street food vendors are still struggling to return to normal operations. Many eateries are now working for fewer hours and serving a limited menu due to the inconsistent supply of cooking gas.

Restaurants cut hours and menu as gas supply dips

Operators say that while the situation has slightly improved, access to LPG cylinders remains unreliable. As a result, many kitchens have shifted to bulk cooking and standardised portions to manage the shortage. Several outlets are operating at only a fraction of their usual capacity. A restaurant chain reported a sharp fall in business over the past 10 days. Its daily revenue dropped significantly compared to normal levels, showing how badly the crisis has hit the food industry. Many eateries are currently serving only about 20 per cent of their usual menu, with several popular dishes unavailable. The shortage has also made daily operations difficult. Restaurant staff say that using electrical equipment as an alternative is not always practical, as it heats up quickly and cannot fully replace LPG-based cooking.

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Losses mount as supply crisis continues

The LPG shortage has forced some eateries to shut temporarily, while others continue to run under severe restrictions. Even those that have reopened are facing rising losses due to reduced customer footfall and limited food options. Industry members say the crisis began after changes to fuel allocation priorities, with domestic supply given preference amid broader energy concerns. This has left commercial users, including restaurants, with limited access to LPG.

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The impact is visible across Delhi, where small vendors and larger restaurants alike are struggling to cope. Reduced menus, shorter working hours, and uncertain supply have made it difficult to sustain business. With no clear timeline for the full restoration of supply, many eateries are slowly bringing back menu items as availability allows. However, until the situation stabilises, losses are expected to continue, and normal operations may take time to resume.