The ongoing global energy crisis and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz have started impacting the local kitchens of Bengaluru. Due to a severe shortage in commercial LPG supply, several college hostels and messes in the city have officially informed students that items like roti and chapati will not be available regularly. This shortage is a direct result of oil companies prioritizing domestic gas supply over commercial requirements to manage the limited stock available in the country.
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Major Impact on Bengaluru Hostels and Restaurants
The Bengaluru Hotels Association has raised an alarm stating that over 2,000 member hotels are facing a potential shutdown. Since a large population of students, elderly people, and medical professionals depend on these messes and hotels for their daily meals, the gas shortage is turning into a major food crisis. Many restaurant owners have started using induction stoves as a temporary fix, but the high electricity costs and limited menu options are making it difficult to sustain operations. The PG Owners Welfare Association confirmed that lakhs of professionals living in the city are now struggling to find affordable meals as the mess kitchens struggle to stay open.
Current LPG Price and Supply Situation in Bengaluru
The price of commercial gas has seen a sharp increase this month, making it harder for small business owners to manage costs. According to the latest data from March 11, 2026, the supply of commercial cylinders has dropped significantly. The following table highlights the current rates and supply status in the city:
| Category | Current Price (March 2026) | Key Update |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial LPG (19 kg) | ₹1,958.00 | Price increased by ₹144 this month |
| Domestic LPG (14.2 kg) | ₹915.50 | Prioritized by oil companies |
| Daily Supply Consumption | 40,000 Cylinders | Supply dropped by 60-70% |
Government Intervention and New Supply Rules
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has written a formal letter to Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri seeking immediate intervention to restore gas supply. The central government has directed oil marketing companies like IOCL, HPCL, and BPCL to prioritize domestic consumers and hospitals first. To prevent hoarding, a new rule has been implemented requiring a mandatory 25-day gap between two domestic cylinder bookings. Additionally, private refineries like Reliance have been asked to increase LPG production by reducing other petrochemical outputs to help stabilize the situation for common citizens.
