As tensions escalate in West Asia, causing disruptions in fuel supply chains, a high-level team from Maharashtra Natural Gas Limited (MNGL) met representatives of the Pune chapter of the National Restaurants Association of India (NRAI) to outline immediate measures to ease the growing Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) crisis affecting restaurants across Pune.
According to NRAI Pune Chapter Head Saili Jahagirdar, MNGL has identified nearly 150 restaurants located close to existing pipelines, allowing quick extension of piped gas connections. She added that MNGL has agreed to fast-track new connections for eligible NRAI members, assisting not only with installation but also managing fire NOCs, liaison work, and securing permissions. In recognition of the ongoing national crisis, MNGL will also submit special requests to authorities to grant necessary exceptions.
Severe LPG Shortage Forces Pune Restaurants to Shut and Shift to Induction
The shortage has severely impacted restaurant operations throughout the city. Jahagirdar’s own establishment, Zillionth Bistro, was forced to shut its doors on Tuesday due to a lack of LPG supply, an emotional moment for the team. Similarly, the well-known Modern Cafe on JM Road also closed after realizing its LPG stock could not support dinner service. Workers at the café said customers kept arriving throughout the day only to return disappointed. Around 20 staff members, hailing from different regions of India, currently reside within the premises while waiting for operations to resume.
The situation is so critical that many restaurant owners consider it worse than the Covid lockdown. Aditya Shetty of ARA Hospitality said all five of his outlets are facing extreme LPG shortages. Vendors have reported having no cylinders available, forcing his kitchens to switch entirely to electric induction cooking. Shetty has already purchased over 20 commercial induction units to keep his restaurants running and emphasized that despite timely payments, cylinder vendors continue to report zero availability. He urged the government to intervene and restore stable LPG supply for restaurants and industries.
Pune’s Appa Restaurant Cuts Menu and Switches to Electric Amid LPG Crisis
At another well-known eatery, Appa, owner Sangram Deshmukh said their remaining LPG stock would last only a day. They have already removed high-gas-consuming dishes such as thalipeeth and sabudana wada and shifted frying to electric equipment to cope with the shortage.
Summary:
A severe LPG shortage in Pune has forced restaurants to shut or switch to induction cooking. Maharashtra Natural Gas Limited (MNGL) and the National Restaurants Association of India (NRAI) plan rapid piped-gas connections for 150 outlets. Popular eateries like Zillionth Bistro, Modern Cafe, ARA Hospitality outlets, and Appa are struggling as LPG vendors report zero supply.
Image Source
Comments are closed.