The ripple effects of the escalating conflict in West Asia are now being felt far from the battlefield, reaching the kitchens of restaurants and hotels in Delhi. A shortage of commercial liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), widely used for cooking in the hospitality sector, has begun to impact food establishments, raising concerns of operational disruptions and possible shutdowns if the situation continues.

Declining LPG supply worries hospitality sector

According to Daily Pioneer, the representatives say the supply of commercial LPG cylinders has started declining in recent days, leaving restaurants and hotels struggling to maintain their daily operations. According to members of the hospitality industry, the availability of cylinders has become uncertain, forcing many establishments to explore alternative cooking methods or modify their menus.

Manpreet Singh, honorary treasurer of the National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI), said the restaurant sector has already started experiencing the impact of reduced LPG supplies. He warned that if the shortage persists or prices increase further, it may become extremely difficult for restaurants to function normally. The issue has also prompted concern among hotel and restaurant associations across several states, including Delhi, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Kerala and West Bengal, which have urged the government to ensure an adequate LPG supply for the sector.

Also Read | Delhi plans ISBT at reclaimed Bhalswa landfill site to ease transport pressure

Global conflict disrupts the energy supply chain

The shortage is linked to disruptions in global energy supply chains caused by the widening conflict in West Asia. Shipping routes and fuel supplies in the region, one of the world’s key sources of LPG and liquefied natural gas, have been affected, creating uncertainty in fuel availability for countries heavily dependent on imports.

India imports a significant portion of its LPG requirements from the Middle East, making the country vulnerable to geopolitical tensions in the region. As a result, the government has prioritised LPG supply for domestic households, which has inadvertently tightened availability for commercial sectors such as hotels and restaurants.

In response to the concerns, the petroleum ministry has formed a committee of oil company executives to review complaints about commercial LPG shortages and assess supply requirements for restaurants, hotels and other industries. Despite the growing concerns, the government has maintained that there is no nationwide LPG crisis and said domestic production has been increased to help stabilise supplies.

Also Read | What is ‘Avataar’? ’India’s first amphibious drone that can operate both in air and water

For Delhi’s bustling food industry, however, the situation remains uncertain. If supply disruptions continue for an extended period, restaurants may be forced to reduce operations, change cooking methods or pass on rising costs to customers, potentially affecting both businesses and diners across the city.