LPG Supply Crisis: Centre Asks States to Secure Supply Chain as Delhi-NCR Restaurants Fear Shutdown

On Wednesday, March 11, 2026, the Center requested that states increase security for the personnel and infrastructure involved in order to protect the LPG supply chain. According to a government source, Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan instructed chief secretaries and director generals of police (DGPs) in every state to refute "false rumors regarding LPG shortages."

Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG), stated on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, that since the government implemented the supply maintenance order on March 8, India's production of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) has increased by 25%. Additionally, Ms. Sharma stated that India has broadened its sources for obtaining crude oil, with roughly 70% of imports now originating from routes other than the Strait of Hormuz, up from 55% previously.

The Congress party demanded a full-fledged discussion in Parliament on the West Asia crisis that has resulted in an energy shortage, claiming that the nation's citizens deserve to know the truth, while a number of political figures criticized the government for the crisis. 

Nodal officers from the Ministries of Information and Broadcasting and Petroleum and Natural Gas are part of the Ministry of Home Affairs' (MHA) round-the-clock control room.

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States are asked by the Union Home Secretary to secure the LPG supply chain.

On Wednesday, March 11, 2026, Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan asked states to strengthen security for the personnel and infrastructure involved in order to protect the LPG supply chain.

According to a government source, chief secretaries and director generals of police (DGPs) in every state were instructed to combat "false rumors regarding LPG shortages." "They were also advised to keep a close eye on social media sites and act quickly to eliminate fake news that propagates rumors or fabricates narratives by disseminating outdated or irrelevant content.

Delhi-NCR restaurants are afraid of closing as commercial LPG cylinders

Restaurants in Delhi-NCR are currently experiencing LPG supply disruptions, which are connected to the ongoing conflict in West Asia. If the situation is not resolved, there are concerns that these outlets may close, at least temporarily. The Union Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas stated on Monday that domestic LPG supply must be given priority, and distributors have confirmed a decline in the supply of commercial LPG cylinders.

According to Manpreet Singh, treasurer of the National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI) and owner of ZEN Restaurant, if the shortage persists, 70% of Delhi's restaurants may close in the next two to three days. Additionally, he stated that the piped gas pressure has already dropped from 100% to 80%. In Connaught Place, piped gas connections are present in just 20% of the restaurants. Some have begun to switch to electric induction, but since it requires the right utensils, it is very expensive and not a practical commercial option. Shutdown will be an issue because the restaurants serve hospitals, student facilities, and other establishments. "Small eateries in unorganized sectors might resort to coal and wood, but big ones cannot," Singh added.

The Imperial Spices, a multi-cuisine restaurant in Delhi's Connaught Place, can only serve until lunch on Wednesday, according to Varun Kheja, its owner. As an outlet with more than 90 seats, we need three cylinders every day. We do have a four-to-six-cylinder gas bank, but it will soon run out. Electric frying and electric induction-based processes are now the norm," he stated.

The head of the NRAI in Noida, Kheja, stated, "We have about 2,500 restaurants and eateries in Noida, both organized and unorganized, but a very limited source for gas supply." Losing a customer is the worst thing.

The impact is "very serious," according to Vicky Saluja, owner of Baby Dragon Bar & Restaurant in Noida Sector 18. "We had put in a supply request last night, but the agency said they have received strict orders from authorities to prioritize hospitals and educational institutions. "The commercial inductions cost between Rs 10,000 and Rs 12,000, but we have moved to electric ones," Saluja stated.