Amid the ongoing LPG shortage in parts of India, a bill from a café in Bengaluru went viral on social media after it included a “Gas Crisis Charge” on a customer’s lemonade order.
A user shared a picture of the receipt from Theo Cafe on X. The receipt shows a 5 % “gas crisis charge” of Rs 17.01 added to an order of two mint lemonades, each priced at Rs 179. Together, the drinks cost Rs 358.
Bengaluru Cafe Adds 5% ‘Gas Crisis’ Fee on Lemonade Bill
Initially, a 5 % discount of Rs 17.90 applied. After that, standard GST components were added: CGST at 2.5 % and SGST at 2.5 %, along with the “Gas Crisis Charge.” This brought the final bill to Rs 374.
This situation arises as many hotels, restaurants, and public canteens across the country experience LPG supply disruptions. The shortage linked to issues in global gas supplies due to the conflict in the Middle East.
Restaurants Hit Hard as LPG Shortage Disrupts Supply Chains Across India Amid Strait of Hormuz Crisis
Restaurants, particularly in cities, seem to among the hardest hit. Many report a lack of commercial LPG cylinders used for cooking. Several eateries have cut down their menus, suspended certain dishes, or switched to alternative fuels to stay open.
Long lines seen outside LPG distribution centers in various states, including Delhi NCR, Bihar, West Bengal, and Odisha, as people rushed to get domestic gas cylinders. In some areas, eateries had to temporarily close while reports of hoarding spread.
The supply issues tied to disruptions in global energy routes following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, an important maritime passage that usually handles a significant portion of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments.
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