Belagavi’s restaurant industry may soon face disruptions as commercial LPG supplies become uncertain following a government directive prioritising domestic household consumers.
The order, issued on March 5, 2026, comes amid geopolitical tensions in West Asia that have disrupted LPG shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, a key global shipping route that carries nearly 85–90% of India’s imported LPG. The disruption has forced authorities to prioritise household LPG distribution to ensure uninterrupted supply for domestic consumers.
According to industry representatives, similar supply issues have already begun affecting restaurants in major cities such as Mumbai, Bengaluru, Pune and Chennai, raising concerns among restaurant owners in other regions as well.
Belagavi has an estimated 2,500–3,500 restaurants, cafés and food outlets, employing thousands of people and serving a large number of daily customers. Most of these establishments rely entirely on commercial LPG cylinders for cooking, making them vulnerable to supply disruptions.
Restaurant industry leaders have urged the Union Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas to ensure that commercial kitchens continue receiving adequate LPG supplies, warning that prolonged shortages could disrupt operations, affect employment and impact the city’s food service ecosystem.
Akshay Kulkarni, Chapter Head of NRAI North Karnataka and CEO of The Tea Toast Co., said that if the situation continues for a long period, restaurants could face operational challenges, especially during peak business days, which account for a large share of weekly revenue.
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