LPG Shortage: 'We Specialise in Thalis, Induction Cooking Isn't Suitable for Us' The 75-year-old Nanumal Bhojraj restaurant chain, with 12 outlets across Pune and Mumbai, has been grappling with a severe LPG supply crisis for the past week. The shortage, linked to the ongoing conflict in West Asia, has forced the family-run business to shut down three of its locations and struggle to sustain the remaining ones. Each restaurant requires at least three to five gas cylinders daily, but deliveries have been inconsistent, with some days yielding only one or none. The chain’s menu, which once featured 150 items, has been drastically reduced to 20, prioritizing dishes that do not require frequent gas cylinder refills. Vegetables for main courses are now prepared in bulk, while rotis are cooked on coal-fire stoves. The shift has significantly impacted revenue, as the order value has dropped due to limited menu options. The family’s deep-rooted connection to the restaurant business dates back to 1953, when the founder, Bhojraj, established the first outlet in Mumbai’s Masjid Bunder after migrating from Shikarpur in Pakistan. The current manager, who oversees two of the 12 restaurants, has spent 45 years in the industry and emphasizes the challenges of adapting to the current crisis. While some restaurants are exploring induction cooking as an alternative, the family has ruled it out due to concerns over rising electricity costs. The manager notes that induction stoves, though efficient, could lead to higher bills, which is not feasible for their traditional cooking methods. The situation has tested the chain’s resilience, with the manager comparing the current crisis to the challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic.#mumbai #pune #nanumal_bhojraj #masjid_bunder #shikarpur
