‘Gas Finished!’ South Delhi Restaurant Shuts Down as LPG Black Market Prices Soar to ₹5,000

Gagandeep Singh Sapra, owner of the North Indian restaurant Tadka Rani in South Delhi, revealed that his restaurant has temporarily closed due to a severe shortage of LPG cylinders.

Expressing his frustrations to X (Twitter), Sapra announced that black market traders have been peddling commercial LPG cylinders at ₹5,000, which is much higher than the official prices.

‘We Are Shutting Down Now’

Sapra shared an emotional message about the situation. 

“We are shutting down now — gas is finished. Black marketeers have demanded ₹5000+++ for gas cylinders,” he wrote.

Just for reference, in the national capital a 19 kg commercial LPG cylinder is listed for around ₹1,884.50 which is nearly three times lower than the supposed black-market price it is listed to be.

Sapra later confirmed Tadka Rani has gone offline on food delivery websites.

“To close the kitchen and click ‘Closed due to LPG Shortage’ hurts,” he said. 

Other Brands Still Running — But With Limited Menu

Tadka Rani has put its business on hold, but Sapra said his other food brands — The Nashta Company and The Meal Combo Box Company — will continue to serve customers with a narrow menu for as long as they can.

One area of anxiety is the Strait of Hormuz, an important maritime artery, where over 85 percent of India’s LPG imports pass. Shipping problems and production delays in the region have affected supply chains around the world, including around India. 

Already facing a shortage, restaurants, street food vendors and small eateries have had to limit their menu options, switch to electric appliances or close their doors temporarily. 

Authorities have also cited provisions in the Essential Commodities Act to oversee distribution and to avoid hoarding. 

Government’s Response

Yet, as reports emerged, Delhi’s Government assured its citizens that the city has no fuel shortage. 

Delhi Chief Minister’s Office issued a statement that warned people to refrain from rumour propagation on the LPG scarcity. It had also warned that strict action will be taken against gas theft and black-marketing.