Bengaluru PG Food Crisis: Commercial LPG Shortage Disrupts Meals for Over 1 Million Residents

An ongoing LPG crisis in India is beginning to affect daily life in major cities, with bengaluru PG accommodations facing a severe commercial LPG shortage. Thousands of paying guest (PG) facilities across the city are struggling to run their kitchens as supplies of commercial LPG cylinders dry up.

According to PG operators, the LPG shortage has already started to cause disruption in food services in Bengaluru PG impacting more than 1 million residents, many of whom are students and IT professionals. Areas such as Hebbal, Manyata Tech Park, Whitefield, Marathahalli, and other IT hubs are among the worst affected as PG owners try to manage their limited LPG stocks.

A PG accommodation located near Manyata Tech Park, issued a notice on March 11 to residents informing them about temporary changes in food services due to the Bengaluru LPG supply crisis.

The notice stated: "Due to the current LPG gas shortage in Bangalore, there has been a disruption in the supply of LPG cylinders across the city. This issue has arisen due to global supply disruptions caused by the ongoing war situation, and the Bengaluru government is currently in discussions with authorities to resolve the shortage of commercial LPG cylinders.

As a result, we are facing limited gas availability, and our current LPG stock will last for approximately 7 days only. To manage the available LPG efficiently and maintain stability in our food services, we have decided to make a temporary change to the meal schedule. The change in the menu will be effective from tomorrow (12-03-2026). We kindly request your understanding and cooperation during this time."

This information did not go well with the PG residents who are already paying a hefty amount for the stay. One of the residents said, "This is a distressing situation. It will become increasingly difficult to live under these circumstances. We hope things return to normal soon. PG operators should consider alternatives like induction stoves or electric cooking instead of giving such reasons while continuing to charge the same rent,"

Some tenants living in tech corridors like Whitefield and Marathahalli and working in the IT sector have reportedly started requesting work-from-home options from their companies.

Why Is LPG Shortage Happening in India?

The commercial LPG shortage in India is happening mainly because of rising geopolitical tensions in West Asia. The Iran-Israel conflict has disrupted shipping routes and energy supplies passing through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most important oil and gas transit routes.

India imports around 85-90% of its LPG from the Middle East, and a large portion of those shipments move through the Strait of Hormuz. Therefore, due to escalating tensions, several LPG and LNG shipments have been delayed, slowing down deliveries to India.

Restaurants and Businesses also affected by LPG Shortage

The LPG supply crisis in India is not just impacting PG accommodations. Restaurants and food businesses in several cities are also reporting difficulties.

As per reports, around 20% of restaurants in Mumbai have already been affected by the shortage of commercial LPG cylinders. Similar concerns are being reported in cities such as, Bengaluru, Chennai, and Kolkata. Some small eateries have been forced to temporarily shut kitchens or reduce menu items due to the lack of LPG supply.

LPG price hike adds pressure

The crisis comes shortly after a recent LPG price hike in India, where the domestic LPG cylinder prices increased by Rs. 60, and the commercial 19-kg LPG cylinder prices rose by Rs. 115.

This was the first LPG price hike in 12 months, all because of the rising import costs and global energy market volatility.

In order to control the situation, the government has invoked the Essential Commodities Act and directed refiners to increase the LPG production to the maximum limit. Some petrochemical units have been asked to divert propane and butane supplies toward LPG production to ease the shortage.

In addition, new gas cylinder booking rules were also announced, where booking an LPG refill is being restricted until 25 days after the previous delivery to prevent hoarding and ensure fair distribution.

For now, PG operators in Bengaluru hope that commercial LPG deliveries resume soon, as thousands of residents rely on these facilities for daily meals.

If the supply situation does not improve quickly, the LPG crisis in Bengaluru PG accommodation could worsen in the coming days, affecting millions of urban residents.