Caterers in Chandigarh feel the heat amid commercial LPG crisis
Hospitality business halved, switches to traditional cooking methods
The shortage of commercial LPG cylinders continues to cause trouble in the city, disrupting social events, businesses and daily life. People are still seen visiting gas agencies in search of cylinders.
The LPG shortage has particularly affected families having weddings, birthday celebrations or religious functions scheduled in the coming days. Several caterers and banquet operators say they are advising customers to postpone events due to the unavailability of commercial gas cylinders. At the same time, new bookings are being accepted cautiously, as they were unsure about future gas supplies.
Caterers across the city say that for events already booked, food was being prepared using coal-fired stoves and traditional chulhas. However, this method was slow and less efficient compared to LPG cooking. As a result, many event organisers are reducing the number of guests or cutting down on the menu to manage the situation.
The shortage of commercial cylinders has also affected restaurants, hotels and roadside food vendors. Many restaurant owners report that their sales have dropped by nearly half. Some eateries are even on the verge of shutting down temporarily because they cannot operate their kitchens without a steady supply of LPG.
A caterer said, “We are running coal furnaces to manage existing bookings, but gas cooking is far more efficient and reliable.”
The shortage has also encouraged black marketing. According to vendors, commercial cylinders are being sold on black at prices ranging from Rs 1,500 to Rs 2,000 above the regular rate.
Street vendors are among the worst affected. Rahul, a food vendor in Sector 15, said he stopped cooking full meals due to the shortage. “I can only prepare tea and parathas on a stove,” he explained.
Many restaurants have also reduced their menus, removing dishes that require heavy gas usage and adding items that can be prepared in a tandoor (clay oven).
The impact is also visible in private celebrations. Vandana, a resident of Sector 21, said she had to postpone her son’s birthday party after a restaurant declined to serve the full menu for want of LPG.
Meanwhile, sales of electric heaters, induction cooktops and traditional stoves have surged in the city, with prices rising due to the increased demand. A hotelier said the gas shortage has severely impacted the hospitality sector. He urged authorities to ensure a regular supply of commercial LPG cylinders to restaurants, hotels, and caterers to prevent further disruption to businesses and social activities.
