BENGALURU, April 15, 2026 – The National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI) Bengaluru Chapter hosted a high-level industry assembly at Skydeck by Sherlocks to address the mounting pressures of LPG supply constraints. The gathering brought together prominent restaurateurs, public sector officials, and energy innovators to chart a sustainable path forward for the Food & Beverage (F&B) sector through alternate fuel adoption.
The session opened with a situational briefing by Mr. Dheeraj Kumar (Director, Knowhere Bar and Kitchen), followed by an industry address from Mr. Ananth Narayan, Head of the NRAI Bengaluru Chapter. Highlighting the urgency of the crisis, Mr. Narayan noted:
“The current LPG situation has created significant operational and financial hurdles for our members. It is now imperative for the industry to diversify. Our goal at the NRAI is to bridge the gap between restaurant owners and solution providers to ensure business continuity through practical alternatives like PNG and biogas.”
Strategic Solutions and Infrastructure Readiness
A primary focus of the meeting was the transition to Piped Natural Gas (PNG). Mr. Sanjay Kumar Singh, Chief General Manager at GAIL, led a technical session detailing adoption pathways and the current state of infrastructure readiness for commercial kitchens in Bengaluru.
The event also featured an Alternate Fuels & Cooking Solutions Showcase, providing a hands-on look at innovative technologies designed to reduce reliance on traditional fuel sources:
- Biogas: Presented by Mr. Rishikesh (Carbonlites) as a circular, sustainable energy source.
- PNG Systems: Demonstrated by GAIL for high-volume commercial use.
- Solid Fuel Innovations: Efficient firewood and coal-based stove solutions presented by Mr. Ganesh (Greenway Appliances) and Mr. Ambuj Awasthi (Golden Coal Company).
- AI & Automation: Mr. Zac from Just BLR Matrix showcased how AI-driven automation can facilitate entirely LPG-free central kitchen operations.
Recognizing Excellence and Looking Ahead
Beyond technical discussions, the evening served as a platform for community building. George and Mini extended a formal invitation to the upcoming FFCC Event, scheduled for May 12, 2026. The summit concluded with the F&B Warrior Awards, celebrating the resilience and contributions of individuals who have bolstered Bengaluru’s culinary landscape.
By fostering collaboration between the public sector and private enterprises, the NRAI Bengaluru Chapter continues to lead the charge in stabilizing the industry’s future, ensuring that the city’s vibrant food scene remains resilient in the face of global energy shifts.
