Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh) [India], March 12 (HBTV): A reported shortage of commercial LPG cylinders is affecting hotels and restaurants in Bhopal, prompting many operators to switch to alternatives such as induction cooking, while some establishments have been forced to temporarily close.
The disruption is also affecting residents, with long queues reported at several gas agencies across the city for domestic LPG cylinders.
Amid the shortage, a major fast-food chain in Bhopal has turned to induction-based cooking to keep its kitchens operational. The chain, which operates around 27 outlets across Madhya Pradesh, including Bhopal, has begun gradually transitioning its cooking processes to induction systems.
Restaurant owner Dolraj Gaire said the shortage is being experienced widely and that businesses are trying to adapt by shifting to alternative cooking methods.
'We are not alone facing the problem about the shortage of commercial cylinders, but the entire nation. We are trying to make it work through induction cooking. We have already shifted 60 per cent of our work to induction, and the remaining 10-20 per cent will be solved in a couple of days once we get induction. We will make sure to prepare at least 80 per cent of the food items, if not all,' he said.
He added that the business has now moved most of its cooking operations to induction.
'Currently, our entire commercial production is in induction. We were using induction earlier, but after the ongoing problem, we are working on it more actively. It would take a bit of extra time in cooking in comparison to gas and we also have to change all the utensils according to induction. We will try to ensure that no one returns hungry from our restaurant,' Gaire said.
Gaire further stated that the induction cooking facility is being implemented across all 27 outlets operated by the chain in the state.
'We have nearly 27 outlets across the state and the same induction cooking facility is being opted to all the places. Instructions have been issued and our chefs and executives are all engaged,' he said.
The shortage has emerged amid global energy supply disruptions linked to the ongoing conflict in West Asia. In response, the Union government has invoked the Essential Commodities Act to prioritise domestic LPG supply, reserving higher allocations for households, hospitals, and essential services while restricting commercial distribution in several regions.
The Centre said domestic LPG production has increased by about 25 per cent and that the entire output is being directed towards household consumers.
It added that for non-domestic LPG, priority is being given to essential sectors such as hospitals and educational institutions.
(ANI)