One of Delhi’s most famous food landmarks, Sita Ram Diwan Chand, has temporarily shut its outlet as the ongoing LPG shortage disrupts kitchen operations across the capital. The 75-year-old eatery, known for its popular chole bhature, had to close because commercial LPG cylinders required for cooking were not available. The restaurant has been a favourite among locals and visitors for decades and is widely known for serving chole bhature as its signature dish. The closure highlights how the shortage of cooking gas is beginning to affect even long-established food businesses in the city.
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LPG shortage affecting restaurants across Delhi
The shutdown comes amid a broader shortage of commercial LPG cylinders in Delhi, which has forced several eateries to suspend kitchen operations. Many restaurants rely heavily on LPG for daily cooking, and supply disruptions have left them unable to continue normal service. Industry reports suggest that at least a dozen eateries in the capital have temporarily stopped operations after their gas stocks ran out. The situation has worsened as fresh supplies have slowed while existing reserves have been exhausted.
The LPG shortage has been linked to global energy market disruptions triggered by the ongoing conflict in West Asia. The crisis has affected shipping routes such as the Strait of Hormuz, through which a large portion of India’s LPG imports pass. As a result, authorities have prioritised household LPG supply, leaving commercial users like restaurants struggling to secure cylinders.
Restaurant owners say the situation is forcing them to explore alternatives such as induction cooking or limited menus until supply improves. However, for many smaller eateries, switching to alternative cooking systems is difficult.
The temporary closure of Sita Ram Diwan Chand, one of Delhi’s most recognisable food outlets, has become a symbol of how the LPG crisis is beginning to impact the city’s food culture and restaurant industry. If the shortage continues, more eateries could face similar disruptions in the coming days.
