Bengaluru restaurant adds ‘gas crisis charge’ to bill amid LPG supply crisis; internet reacts

Restaurants in major cities are facing a shortage of commercial LPG cylinders. (@HaramiParindey/Reuters)

• Bengaluru café adds "Gas Crisis Charge" amid LPG shortages
• Charge sparks debate as it appears on basic drink orders
• LPG supply disruptions impact restaurants across India

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As LPG shortages affect several parts of India, a Bengaluru café bill has sparked discussion online after it showed a “Gas Crisis Charge” added to a customer’s order. An X user shared a screenshot of a receipt from Theo Café, displaying a 5% charge of Rs 17.01 on two mint lemonades priced at Rs 179 each, making the total Rs 358.

The bill showed a 5% discount of Rs 17.90. After this, CGST and SGST of 2.5% each were applied along with the “Gas Crisis Charge”, taking the total amount to Rs 374.

The charge left many people confused, especially since it was added to a basic drink order. Several users argued that restaurants already include multiple taxes and fees, so a separate “gas crisis” charge appeared excessive.

“Gas crisis charge” on a lemonade

Source: r/bangalore pic.twitter.com/wkAU1QIsNl — Pakchikpak Raja Babu (@HaramiParindey) March 15, 2026

One user wrote, “When a person is good enough to afford Rs 179 for a mere lemonade, which would otherwise cost Rs 10-15, another Rs 17 shouldn't burden any further. Also, a discount of Rs 18 is already provided, nullifying the charge levied.”

Another user said, “First of all, who makes lemonade on a gas stove, and this is illegal according to the Consumer Protection Act 2019, adding extra charges, fuel shortage is an Unfair trade practice. It is ok if it's voluntary in nature, but if they say it's mandatory, they should pay a penalty of up to Rs 50000.”

About the gas shortage

The situation has emerged as hotels and restaurants across India report interruptions in LPG supplies, largely due to global gas supply disruptions triggered by the Middle East war.

Restaurants, especially in metropolitan cities, seem to be facing the biggest impact, with several reporting a shortage of commercial LPG cylinders. To manage the situation, some restaurants have trimmed their menus, removed certain items, or moved to alternative energy options.

Customers have been lining up outside LPG distribution centres across states such as Delhi NCR, Bihar, West Bengal and Odisha to obtain residential gas cylinders. Reports of hoarding have also led some restaurants to close temporarily.