The acute shortage of commercial LPG cylinders in the capital city has severely disrupted the hospitality sector, prompting a major shift toward electric cooking technology. While small-scale vendors and street food stalls are on the verge of closure, major restaurant chains and the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation have begun transitioning their kitchens to induction-based systems to ensure business continuity. To mitigate the impact of the gas crunch, prestigious establishments and tourism-linked hotels have turned to modern alternatives.

 

According to H S Dandotiya, Regional Manager (Bhopal), MPTDC, many food items are now being prepared on induction stoves. However, specialised dishes like Chinese fast food, which require open flames, continue to rely on the dwindling LPG stocks. Most hotels currently have only two to three days of fuel remaining, causing operators to hesitate before accepting large-scale event or wedding bookings. Mid-sized outlets in the city have started installing specialised electric equipment to bridge the supply gap. Several establishments have recently integrated industrial electric dosa machines and boilers into their operations.

 

Hotel management representatives indicated that approximately 60 per cent of their menu is currently being prepared via induction, with plans to increase this to 80 per cent. Many operators now view the transition to a fully electric commercial kitchen as the only sustainable long-term solution. The impact has been most devastating for small-scale traders and street food vendors. Multiple stalls at the ‘6-Number Stop’ Chaupati have shut down due to a lack of resources to invest in electric cooking alternatives. Restaurant owners claim that some suppliers are offering domestic and commercial cylinders at exorbitant rates under the table.

 

They allege that the artificial shortage is being exploited by intermediaries for unethical gains. Despite the visible distress in the market, the district administration has denied any genuine shortage of LPG. District Supply Controller Chandrabhan Singh Jadaun stated that Bhopal currently holds a stock of 3,200 metric tonnes of LPG, which is sufficient for the next six days based on the city’s daily consumption of 10,000 to 15,000 cylinders. “We are monitoring the supply chain closely. Stringent legal action will be initiated against any agency or individual found involved in hoarding or black marketing of gas cylinders,” Jadaun asserted. Contradicting administrative assurances, long queues have become a common sight at the city’s 45 gas agencies. Delays in delivery and rumours of a further crunch have prompted domestic consumers to rush for advance bookings. The massive crowds have created a significant challenge for local police in maintaining law and order at distribution points.