LPG Shortage Triggers Long Queues Across India; Hotels Turn to Alternative Cooking Methods

A widespread shortage of LPG cylinders has triggered long queues across several parts of India, including Odisha, severely affecting households, hotels, and restaurants. People are lining up outside gas agencies for hours, hoping to receive their booked cylinders, while many are returning home empty-handed due to supply shortages.

Long Queues Outside Gas Agencies

In Odisha’s Kendrapara district, particularly in Rajkanika and Aali blocks, long queues have been seen outside LPG distribution offices. Residents have gathered in large numbers to collect cooking gas cylinders, but many claim that despite having prior bookings, they are being forced to return without receiving their cylinders.

Several consumers have also alleged that LPG cylinders are being sold at inflated prices, adding to the difficulties faced by households already dealing with supply disruptions.

Hotels Forced to Use Firewood

The shortage has also significantly impacted hotels and restaurants. In Balasore, many eateries have been forced to switch to traditional firewood for cooking as LPG supplies remain uncertain.

Hotel owners say they are trying to minimize the use of available gas cylinders and are relying more on ovens or alternative methods to manage cooking operations. According to several restaurant operators, the ongoing LPG shortage has made it difficult to maintain normal business activities.

Surge in Demand for Induction Stoves

As the gas shortage worsens, many households are turning to electric cooking options. The demand for induction stoves has surged sharply, with electronics stores witnessing heavy footfall from customers looking for alternatives to LPG.

Retailers say that due to the sudden spike in purchases, there is a possibility of induction stoves going out of stock soon. Some online platforms are already showing “out of stock” notices for several induction stove models.

Crisis Not Limited to Odisha

The LPG shortage is not confined to Odisha. Similar situations have been reported in several cities across the country, including Delhi, Maharashtra, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, and Bhopal, where people are seen waiting in long lines outside gas agencies.

Impact on Food Service Industry

The disruption in LPG supply has also begun to affect cafeterias and food service operations in several companies. Cities like Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Kolkata are witnessing interruptions in commercial LPG supply, making it difficult for restaurants and food outlets to operate smoothly.

Many restaurants and cloud kitchens are struggling to procure cylinders, forcing them to reduce menu options or limit their operations temporarily.

Bakeries and Food Delivery Platforms Hit

The shortage could have a major financial impact on the food industry. In Mumbai alone, nearly 2,500 to 3,000 bakeries are reportedly on the verge of shutting down due to the lack of LPG supply.

The slowdown in restaurant and cloud kitchen operations has also affected food delivery platforms such as Zomato and Swiggy. Industry sources suggest that food orders on these platforms have dropped by nearly 50–60 percent in some areas as restaurants struggle to operate amid the LPG shortage.

Experts warn that if the supply disruption continues, it could lead to higher operating costs for restaurants and cloud kitchens, ultimately affecting food prices and the broader hospitality sector.