LPG shortage in Hyderabad: Food industry faces shutdown threat amid rush for Iftar meals

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• Hyderabad restaurants face LPG shortage amid global supply issues
• Ramzan crowds increase demand as eateries risk temporary shutdown
• Commercial LPG prices rise, supply restrictions worsen situation

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Restaurants and hotels across Hyderabad are facing a serious challenge as a shortage of commercial LPG cylinders begins to affect kitchen operations. The problem is linked to rising pressure on global fuel supplies caused by the ongoing conflict in Middle East.

Read : City-wise LPG cylinder rates today

If the supply does not improve soon, a large part of the city’s food industry could temporarily shut down. Many restaurants have limited gas reserves and may not be able to continue operations beyond a couple of days, Telangana Today reported.

The situation is particularly worrying because eateries in Hyderabad are currently seeing increased crowds due to Ramzan, when late-night dining and special iftar menus attract large numbers of customers.

Restaurants running out of fuel

Hotel and restaurant associations say the shortage has started affecting supply since Monday. Many establishments have only a small stock of commercial LPG cylinders, which usually lasts for one or two days.

S Ram Murthy, Treasurer of the Telangana State Hotel Association, said that while larger hotels may have slightly bigger reserves, most small and medium-sized restaurants keep only limited stock because they receive regular deliveries.

He warned that the situation could become serious very soon. According to him, small eateries currently have only 24 to 48 hours of fuel left. If the supply does not resume quickly, nearly 90 per cent of restaurants and hotels across Hyderabad and Telangana may be forced to shut down within two days, Telangana Today reported.

Ramzan crowds add to pressure

The shortage has come at a particularly difficult time for the food industry because Ramzan is underway. During this period, restaurants and food outlets across Hyderabad witness heavy footfall late into the night as people gather for iftar meals.

Popular food hubs across the city have introduced special Ramzan menus, drawing large crowds every evening. Many restaurants depend heavily on this seasonal business.

Despite the LPG shortage, large-scale haleem production during Ramzan is unlikely to stop completely. “The cooking of haleem will not be affected as most of the industry uses wood-fired kilns. However, we use gas stoves to make the brista (fried onions) that are very much part of both biryani and haleem. That will be affected,” The Hindu quoted Mohammed Majeed of Pista House, as saying.

However, he pointed out that some parts of cooking still depend on LPG. For example, gas stoves are used to prepare “brista,” or fried onions, which are an important ingredient in both biryani and haleem. If the gas shortage continues, it may affect these preparations.

Cylinder supply being restricted

Restaurant owners say the problem is becoming worse as gas dealers have begun limiting the number of cylinders they supply to each customer. This has left many kitchens uncertain about how long they can continue operating.

Ali Asghar Bolooki, who runs one of the city's oldest biryani outlets, Cafe Bahar, said his latest order was only partly fulfilled.

"I ordered 10 cylinders but received only five. The supplier even told me they are not sure if they can supply from tomorrow. The price has also increased. I was ready to pay even more, but he said they have instructions that commercial gas supply may not continue,” Ali Asghar Bolooki was quoted by TOI as saying.

According to him, the supplier warned that future deliveries might not be possible because of supply restrictions. He also said the price of commercial LPG has increased sharply.

Restaurant chains that rely on a steady flow of LPG cylinders say the situation is becoming increasingly stressful and are hoping for quick government intervention to restore supplies.