NRAI Bengaluru to Host Industry Meet on LPG Crisis, Alternative Fuels

Bengaluru, India | April 13, 2026 — The National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI) Bengaluru Chapter will host an industry meeting on April 13 to address the ongoing LPG supply crisis and examine alternative fuel options for the food and beverage sector, as operators face mounting operational challenges linked to fuel availability.

The session, scheduled at Skydeck by Sherlocks, will bring together restaurateurs, public sector representatives, and solution providers to assess the impact of supply disruptions and identify practical pathways to reduce dependence on conventional LPG systems. The initiative comes amid continued concerns within the restaurant industry regarding fuel reliability and cost pressures.

Industry Meet to Address Supply Disruptions

The event is designed as a collaborative platform for stakeholders to exchange insights on the LPG crisis, which has affected kitchen operations across multiple restaurant formats. Industry participants are expected to discuss supply constraints, pricing concerns, and the broader operational implications for food service businesses.

The meeting will open with remarks from Dheeraj Kumar, Director at Knowhere Bar and Kitchen, followed by an industry briefing from Ananth Narayan, Head of the NRAI Bengaluru Chapter. Narayan is set to outline the current supply situation, ongoing efforts by the association to support its members, and the wider challenges faced by the sector.

According to Narayan, the objective of the session is to facilitate dialogue and help operators navigate ongoing disruptions by sharing knowledge and identifying viable alternatives.

Public Sector Participation and Fuel Alternatives

The event will include participation from key public sector stakeholders, including representatives from GAIL, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), and Indian Oil Corporation. Their involvement is expected to provide clarity on supply-side developments, infrastructure readiness, and potential solutions for the restaurant industry.

A dedicated session on piped natural gas (PNG) will be led by Sanjay Kumar Singh from GAIL, focusing on the feasibility of transitioning from LPG to piped gas systems. Discussions will cover adoption challenges, infrastructure availability, and the operational considerations for restaurants evaluating a shift to alternative fuel sources.

The inclusion of multiple public sector entities reflects the need for coordinated engagement between industry operators and fuel providers to address supply constraints and improve long-term energy reliability.

Focus on Alternative and Sustainable Fuel Solutions

In addition to conventional gas alternatives, the meeting will showcase a range of emerging solutions aimed at reducing dependence on LPG. These include electric kitchen equipment, biogas-based systems, and technology-led approaches such as AI-enabled LPG-free kitchen operations.

The demonstration of these alternatives highlights a growing industry shift toward diversified energy sources and operational resilience. Restaurants are increasingly exploring solutions that not only mitigate supply risks but also align with broader sustainability goals and efficiency improvements.

The session is expected to provide practical insights into the implementation of these technologies, including cost considerations, scalability, and compatibility with existing kitchen infrastructure.

Operational Impact and Industry Response

The LPG crisis has had a direct impact on restaurant operations, affecting cooking processes, service timelines, and overall cost structures. For many operators, inconsistent supply has led to increased reliance on backup systems, driving up operational expenses.

The NRAI Bengaluru Chapter’s initiative reflects a broader industry response aimed at addressing these challenges through collective action and knowledge-sharing. By engaging both private operators and public sector stakeholders, the association aims to create a more coordinated approach to managing fuel-related disruptions.

Industry leaders have emphasized the importance of adaptability in the current environment, with a focus on identifying solutions that can be implemented in both the short and long term. The meeting is expected to contribute to this effort by providing actionable insights and fostering collaboration across the value chain.

Platform for Dialogue and Sector Coordination

The event underscores the role of industry bodies in facilitating dialogue during periods of operational uncertainty. By bringing together multiple stakeholders, the NRAI Bengaluru Chapter aims to support informed decision-making and encourage the adoption of alternative energy solutions within the restaurant sector.

As fuel supply challenges continue to affect hospitality operations, initiatives such as this meeting are expected to play a critical role in shaping industry responses and enabling businesses to adapt to evolving conditions.