Bengaluru PGs Cut Weekday Meals; Dosa, Poori, Chapati Removed From Menu Amid LPG Crisis

Paying Guest (PG) accommodations across Bengaluru have begun introducing temporary measures to deal with an ongoing LPG shortage. The advisory was issued by the PG Owner Welfare Association, asking PG operators to conserve cooking gas while ensuring that residents continue to receive meals.

The shortage has been linked to supply disruptions caused by the ongoing conflict involving Iran in the Middle East, which has affected global LPG availability.

PGs Asked To Serve Two Meals On Weekdays

According to the advisory issued by the association, PG facilities have been requested to reduce the number of meals served during weekdays.

• Monday to Friday: Only two meals per day
• Saturday and Sunday: Three meals can continue as usual

This temporary step aims to reduce gas usage while still providing essential food services to thousands of residents living in PG accommodations.

High Gas-Consumption Foods To Be Avoided

The advisory also recommends removing certain dishes from the menu, especially those that require more cooking gas.

PG kitchens have been asked to avoid preparing food items such as:

• Dosa
• Poori
• Chapati

These dishes usually require longer cooking time and higher gas consumption. By replacing them with simpler meals, PG kitchens can significantly reduce LPG usage.

Ban On Personal Gas Cooking Inside PGs

Another important rule introduced in the advisory is a ban on residents using their own LPG cylinders inside PG rooms.

The association warned that personal cooking using gas cylinders can increase overall consumption and also create safety risks. However, residents may still use induction stoves or other electric appliances if necessary.

Electric Rice Cookers Encouraged

To reduce dependence on LPG, PG operators have been encouraged to switch to electric cooking alternatives.

The association has recommended the use of 20-liter electric rice cookers, especially for small and medium-sized PG facilities. These appliances can cook large quantities of rice while using electricity instead of gas, helping kitchens manage food preparation during the shortage.

Nearby PGs May Share Cooking Facilities

The advisory also suggests a community-based solution to manage the situation.
Nearby PG facilities have been encouraged to collaborate and cook food in a single kitchen, which can then be distributed to other PGs in the area. This approach can reduce the number of active LPG cylinders used daily and improve efficiency.

In extreme situations, PG operators may also explore sourcing LPG cylinders from nearby towns where demand is lower, although such arrangements must be properly verified.

Temporary Steps To Prevent Kitchen Shutdowns

The PG Owner Welfare Association said these measures are temporary but necessary to avoid major disruptions in food services.

The main goals of the advisory are to:

• Prevent emergency kitchen shutdowns
• Ensure continuous food supply for residents
• Promote responsible use of limited LPG resources

The association also confirmed that it is currently in discussions with government authorities to help stabilise LPG supply in the city.

Over 10 Lakh Residents Depend On PG Facilities

Bengaluru has a large network of PG accommodations that serve as an important housing option for students and working professionals.

According to estimates, the city has around 15,000 PG facilities, housing more than 10 lakh residents. These accommodations usually provide three meals a day as part of their services.

Because such a large population depends on PG kitchens, managing LPG supply has become crucial during the ongoing shortage.

The LPG shortage has forced Bengaluru's PG sector to adopt new strategies to manage limited resources. By reducing meals, avoiding gas-intensive dishes, using electric cooking appliances, and sharing kitchen facilities, PG operators hope to maintain food services until the supply situation improves.