admin 
Hyderabad, Telangana | March 12, 2026: Restaurants in Hyderabad are facing a serious challenge as an LPG cylinder shortage disrupts daily operations across the city. Many restaurant owners claim the ongoing gas shortage in Hyderabad is forcing them to shift from LPG to wood-based cooking, increasing costs and affecting business efficiency.
According to several restaurant operators, the LPG cylinder crisis in Hyderabad has become particularly difficult during the holy month of Ramadan, when food demand is at its peak. Owners say that the unavailability of commercial gas cylinders has slowed down cooking operations and increased expenses.
Restaurants Forced to Cook on Wood
Nadeem Quadri, a restaurant owner from MS Mandi in Hyderabad, spoke about the impact of the crisis. He explained that due to the shortage of LPG cylinders, many restaurants have started cooking on wood to continue serving customers.
“Today, due to the shortage of gas, we are cooking on wood. Almost all hotels in Telangana have already closed down because of the gas shortage. There is such a severe shortage that black market gas is happening,” Quadri said.
He further added that cooking on wood is not only costly but also requires additional manpower. “With gas, work gets done quickly and easily. With wood, one or two extra people are needed, and there is also more pollution in restaurants. Cooking on wood also affects the interiors of the restaurant.”
Restaurant owners claim that the price of wood has also increased sharply, making operations even more difficult for small food businesses in the city.
Government Raids to Stop Illegal LPG Use
Meanwhile, authorities have intensified enforcement efforts to stop the illegal commercial use of domestic LPG cylinders. The Enforcement Wing of the CAF & Civil Supplies Department has conducted several search and seizure operations across Telangana.
During coordinated raids on March 9, officials carried out inspections in Hanmakonda, Warangal, and Karmanghat, where they seized:
- 22 domestic LPG cylinders
- 25 small cylinders
- Multiple gas refilling units
The total value of the seized property was estimated at ₹64,468.
Earlier LPG Seizure Operation
Authorities also reported a major interception earlier this year. On February 14, officials caught an offender in Bonguluru, Ibrahimpatnam, seizing:
- 78 domestic LPG cylinders
- A transport vehicle used for illegal gas distribution
The total value of the confiscated materials was approximately ₹1,71,600.
In total, enforcement operations have recovered 100 domestic LPG cylinders and 25 small cylinders, worth ₹2,36,068. Officials confirmed that 6-A reports have been filed before the Collector, and FIRs have been registered or are currently under process.
Government Appeals to Citizens
Civil Supplies officials have urged the public not to overbook LPG cylinders and to avoid illegal commercial usage of domestic gas.
Authorities have also asked citizens to report suspicious activities related to LPG supply through the toll-free helpline number 1967.
Centre Says LPG Production Increased
The central government has stated that domestic LPG production has increased by around 25 percent, and the entire production is being directed towards household consumers.
Officials also said that non-domestic LPG supply is being prioritized for essential sectors, including hospitals and educational institutions.
However, restaurant owners continue to express concern that the shortage of commercial LPG cylinders is affecting the hospitality sector in Hyderabad, especially during the festive Ramadan period.
About The Author
