A sudden shortage of commercial LPG cylinders across several parts of India is beginning to disrupt the country’s bustling wedding season, with caterers, restaurants and banquet halls warning that food menus may have to be curtailed if supplies do not stabilise soon.
The crisis comes at a time when northern states such as Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan are witnessing a surge in wedding ceremonies ahead of the upcoming Navratri period — traditionally one of the busiest marriage seasons in the region.
Industry associations say the shortage is affecting both large wedding banquets and everyday restaurant kitchens, with suppliers struggling to deliver commercial LPG cylinders on time.
Wedding caterers say the shortage is already affecting preparations for thousands of events scheduled this month.
In Punjab, where more than 10,000 weddings are estimated to take place in the coming days, caterers say they are scrambling to arrange extra cylinders as suppliers ration deliveries.
Families preparing for weddings are also feeling the pressure. Some have reported being asked by caterers to arrange additional cylinders themselves to ensure cooking continues smoothly during multi-course wedding feasts.
A typical large wedding catering order may require seven to eight LPG cylinders to cook food for hundreds of guests, especially when menus include items like tandoori breads, curries and desserts that must be served hot. With supplies tightening, caterers warn that elaborate wedding menus — known for dozens of dishes — could be simplified if the shortage persists.
However, following hue and cry over scarcity of LPG, the Press Information of India claimed on March 12 in a Post on X “Myth: LPG imports disruption means India will face severe shortages. Fact: Following Government measures. Domestic LPG production has increased by about 25% and the entire #LPG production is being directed towards household consumers”.
The hospitality sector across India is also beginning to feel the strain.
Restaurant owners say delays in cylinder deliveries have forced many establishments to reduce operating hours, cut down menu options, or temporarily shut kitchens.
Industry body National Restaurant Association of India has warned that 50–60% of restaurants could be forced to shut within days if commercial LPG supply does not resume normally.
Hotels and restaurants have already begun altering menus to prioritise dishes that require less cooking gas. Some kitchens are shifting to oven-based dishes such as pasta or pizza, while slow-cooked items like dal makhani or dosa are being temporarily dropped.
In several cities, hospitality associations say they are exploring alternatives such as electric cooking or traditional tandoors to conserve LPG. The shortage has been attributed largely to disruptions in LPG imports amid geopolitical tensions in West Asia.
India imports a large share of its LPG requirements, with a significant portion arriving from Gulf countries through critical shipping routes. Supply chains have been affected by conflict in the region, forcing authorities to prioritise domestic household supply of cooking gas.
With households receiving priority allocations, the availability of commercial LPG used by hotels, restaurants and caterers has tightened, creating shortages across several cities.
To address the situation, the government has asked refineries to maximise LPG production and set up a committee of oil marketing companies to review supply issues for commercial consumers.
Black marketing
Industry groups say uncertainty over supply has triggered panic buying and hoarding in some areas.
Distributors in several cities have reported long waiting periods for cylinder refills, while restaurant owners say prices in the open market have risen sharply due to limited availability.
Hospitality associations warn that if the shortage continues through the upcoming festival and wedding season, it could lead to higher food prices, simplified menus and possible event disruptions.
The crisis has come at a particularly sensitive time for India’s hospitality and catering industry.
The weeks leading up to Navratri and the months that follow are traditionally packed with weddings, corporate gatherings and festive events — a peak business period for caterers, banquet halls and hotels across northern India.
For now, many businesses say they are managing with existing stocks, but warn that if supplies do not stabilise soon, the shortage could begin to affect large wedding celebrations and restaurant operations across the region.
Industry leaders say the coming weeks will determine whether the LPG crunch remains a temporary disruption — or grows into a broader crisis for India’s food and hospitality sector.
