Imagine organising a wedding, but without food. It may sound strange, but this could soon become a reality. Marriage, banquet halls and catering services are facing a severe shortage of LPG cylinders. Because of this, many bookings are being cancelled. Caterers say they are unable to cook food without enough gas supply. Wedding functions, parties, and other events depend heavily on LPG for large-scale cooking. With the shortage getting worse, it has become difficult for them to manage orders. Many families who had planned their events in advance are now worried. Some have been forced to postpone or cancel their functions. Banquet hall owners are also facing losses due to sudden cancellations. Due to the grim situation, the members of the Nagpur Hall and Lawn Association conducted a meeting to discuss the issue. Most wedding and banquet halls have lost five to six bookings within past two weeks. While members acknowledge the need to prioritise essential sectors such as hospitals and educational institutions, they argued that a complete cutback on commercial supply has left their businesses in a precarious position. “We are not asking for full supply,” Sanjay Kale, secretary of the association said, adding that even partial restoration of around 30 percent of their earlier allocation would allow them to continue operating in a limited capacity. “We can adapt menus, reduce items that require intensive gas use like deep frying, and manage smaller functions. But at present, there is no assurance of even minimal supply.”

 

Livelihoods at stake Vijay Kanakdande, Treasurer, also mentioned that the disruption has affected not just business owners but also the daily wage workers such as cooks, waiters, and support staff, who have been left without work. “These functions generate employment at multiple levels. When bookings stop, livelihoods are immediately affected,” he noted.

 

No clarity from supply agencies Kale further added that they have approached gas agencies for clarity, but responses have remained uncertain. According to them, agencies have cited supply constraints and directives to prioritise domestic consumption over commercial use. 

 

Gas stock of two events Kale explained that most operators typically maintain a gas stock sufficient for only one or two events. Beyond that, they are left with no option but to turn to alternatives such as firewood. “We are using such methods wherever possible,” he said, “but in the long run, this is not feasible. Many venues lack space required for traditional fuel-based cooking, making such adjustments difficult to implement consistently. Inductions are also largely impractical at this scale.”

 

Customer expectations vs operational reality Kanakdande pointed out that many clients are unwilling to compromise on food. “Live counters such as fresh rotis and snacks have become a basic expectation. These require continuous LPG use, and without it, we cannot deliver what customers want,” he said. “We have requested clients to arrange cylinders independently, but this has seen limited acceptance.” Govt prioritises sectors, quota of... 

 

Nagpur Municipal Commissioner Dr Vipin Itankar who holds the charge of District Collector told ‘The Hitavada’, “I have instructed officials that the circular issued by Food and Civil Supplies Department should be followed strictly. We also expect that the gas companies and distributing agencies will follow the priority rules set by Maharashtra Government. In such a situation we will not tolerate any violation of the rules.” The department has recommended the percentage of the distribution of commercial gas cylinders. Accordingly, private and Government-run educational institutes, private and Government hospitals, public services including crematorium, old age homes, orphan homes will get 100% commercial gas cylinders. This quota is 70% for various canteens run by Defence, Government and Public sector, Railways, Air traffic, police, prison. The canteen run by Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation will get 50% commercial gas cylinders of its total capacity. The pharmacy industry, electricity, fisheries, migrated workers (5 kg) only for refuelling, corporate canteen, Industrial canteen, corporate guest house, food processing industry, milk industry and manufacturing units of LPG run by Government and Public Sector Unit) all will get cylinders 50% of its capacity. 

 

‘No company should take advantage’ In some cases hospitals faced problems as the gas companies concerned refused to fulfill the requirement. Some hospitals alleged that the gas companies asked for extra money. Collector Dr Vipin Itankar said, “Nobody should try to violate the priority rules else they have to face the consequences. This is giving bad message among public. We have been constantly telling people that there is no issue as far as stock is concerned. People should not panic and put their requirement whenever needed.”