Concerns Rise Over LPG Cylinder Shortages Impacting Guwahati Restaurants

As tensions in West Asia raise fears of a Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) cylinder shortage, restaurant owners in Guwahati are voicing their concerns. While the Chief Minister assures stable domestic supplies, many establishments are struggling to secure commercial LPG. Some are adapting by shifting to electric cooking methods and preparing contingency plans. With limited stocks, owners like Pritam from Hello Folks worry about potential closures if new supplies aren't secured soon. Others, like Atanu from Aroha Brew & Sip Café, have pre-ordered cylinders but acknowledge the risk of future shortages. As the situation evolves, restaurants are closely monitoring developments and adjusting operations to ensure they can continue serving customers.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 13, 2026, 14:26 IST

Guwahati Restaurants Brace for LPG Supply Challenges

Guwahati, Mar 13: As worries mount regarding a potential shortage of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) cylinders due to escalating tensions in West Asia, numerous restaurant proprietors in Guwahati are voicing their concerns about the potential repercussions on their businesses.

Despite assurances from Assam's Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma that the domestic LPG supply remains secure, many restaurant owners, who depend heavily on commercial LPG, report challenges in obtaining their supplies.

Navanil, a partner at Fatbelly, mentioned that suppliers are struggling to deliver cylinders as they did previously, prompting the restaurant to explore alternative solutions.

“The issue is gradually escalating, and suppliers are unable to provide LPG as they used to. We are managing by sourcing from various locations, but we have started transitioning some operations from gas to electric appliances,” he explained.

Additionally, the restaurant has initiated contingency measures to maintain operations should the situation deteriorate further.

“Currently, our outlets are functioning. However, if conditions worsen, we have made backup plans. We are sourcing firewood and have established a base kitchen for bulk preparation of noodles and rice, which can be distributed to our outlets. Other dishes will be prepared using electric equipment to avoid shutting down,” he added.

For some restaurant owners, the situation is already alarming.

Pritam, who runs Hello Folks, stated that his restaurant has a limited supply of LPG cylinders and is facing difficulties in acquiring more.

“Fortunately, I have two LPG cylinders in stock, which allows my restaurant to remain operational. I have been attempting to secure new cylinders for the past three to four days without success. If I don’t receive them in the next two to three days, I may have to close my business,” he expressed.

Despite the uncertainty, he remains optimistic that the supply situation will improve soon.

Meanwhile, some establishments in the city report that they have not encountered immediate issues as they had pre-ordered their cylinders before the shortage concerns arose.

“Currently, my restaurant is not directly impacted because I had pre-ordered LPG cylinders. However, anyone placing an order now might face challenges due to the apparent scarcity of available cylinders,” noted Atanu Sarma, owner of Aroha Brew & Sip Café.

He added that if the situation escalates, restaurants may need to modify their operations.

“We might have to limit certain menu items that require longer preparation times or adjust our hours to coincide with peak customer traffic. These measures would only be implemented if the situation becomes critical,” he stated.

Another well-known restaurant in Guwahati, BLR Express, announced on social media that its kitchen hours are being temporarily adjusted due to the ongoing LPG supply issues.

“Please note: Due to the current LPG supply disruption, our kitchen hours are temporarily changing.

New hours: 12 PM – 11 PM. Thank you for your support and patience while we navigate this gas situation,” the BLR Express social media update read.

At present, restaurants throughout the city continue to operate as usual, but many owners are closely monitoring the situation and preparing contingency plans to ensure their kitchens remain functional.