A shortage of commercial LPG cylinders in Bengaluru has begun affecting the daily operations of paying guest (PG) accommodations across the city, raising concerns about regular meal services for thousands of residents.
PG operators say delays and irregular delivery of cooking gas have created uncertainty in preparing meals for residents who depend on in-house food services.
Large PG ecosystem faces supply strain
Bengaluru has a large PG accommodation network serving students, young professionals, and migrant workers. Industry estimates suggest the city has nearly 15,000 PG facilities housing over 10 lakh residents.
Most PGs include three daily meals as part of their rental packages, and their kitchens rely heavily on LPG cylinders to cook food for dozens of residents at a time.
With cylinder deliveries becoming inconsistent, several PG operators have begun adjusting their meal services to manage limited gas supplies.
Some facilities have simplified menus, reduced meal items, and cut down on snacks or dishes that require longer cooking times to ensure available LPG stock lasts longer.
Notices issued to residents
In some parts of the city, PG associations have informed residents that meal services may be temporarily affected.
A notice circulated by a PG owners’ group in the Whitefield area informed tenants that lunch services would be unavailable for a few days starting March 13 due to the shortage of commercial LPG cylinders.
The notice also stated that self-cooking facilities would remain suspended temporarily, and residents were requested to cooperate until regular supplies resume.
PG owners explained that most kitchens maintain limited backup cylinders due to storage restrictions, making it difficult to continue cooking once the reserve stock runs out.
Restaurants and eateries also affected
The LPG shortage has also impacted restaurants, mess services, and small eateries across the city, many of which rely on commercial cylinders for cooking.
Industry sources said commercial LPG supplies have tightened in recent days as priority has been given to domestic cylinders to ensure uninterrupted cooking fuel for households.
Some professionals have suggested temporary work-from-home arrangements during the disruption to reduce pressure on food services in the city.
PG operators and tenants are now closely monitoring the situation, hoping that regular LPG deliveries will resume soon and kitchen operations can return to normal.