Mumbai Faces Possible Pav & Bread Shortage as LPG Supply Crisis Hits City Bakeries

Mumbai | Undercover Editor News Channel, March 13, 2026

Mumbai: The city could soon face a shortage of pav and bread within the next three to four days, as hundreds of bakeries struggle with irregular fuel supply following disruptions in LPG availability.

According to industry representatives, nearly 70% of Mumbai’s bakery production could be affected if the situation continues. Several bakery owners have warned that the shortage may impact daily food consumption across the city, where pav and bread are staple items for many households and street-food vendors.

As per estimates shared by the India Bakers Association, Mumbai has around 800 bakeries, out of which approximately 350 major bakeries have switched to gas-based ovens in recent months. These bakeries together produce a large share of the city’s bakery products.

Bakers say many establishments invested heavily in new equipment after directives from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation to move away from traditional wood-fired ovens, which were considered environmentally polluting.

Each bakery reportedly spent around ₹7 lakh to install gas-based ovens and related infrastructure. However, the shift has made them heavily dependent on fuel supplies.

Khodada Irani, president of the India Bakers Association, explained that around 80% of these 350 bakeries operate on commercial LPG cylinders, while only 20% use commercial piped natural gas (PNG). He added that PNG supply has also been restricted as a precautionary measure, further complicating the situation.

“The remaining 450 bakeries, most of which are located in suburban areas, continue to operate traditional wood-fired ovens. However, they collectively supply only about 30% of Mumbai’s bakery demand,” Irani said.

Bakery owners say the fuel shortage has already started affecting production. Asif Farooqui, associated with Azmi Bakery and Tawakkal Bakery, said many bakeries had recently complied with civic directives to shift to gas-based ovens.

“Bakeries require continuous and high-volume fuel supply. Due to the irregular availability of LPG and restrictions on PNG, the production of essential items like pav and bread is getting affected,” he said.

Several bakers have now requested civic authorities to allow them to temporarily use their old wood-fired ovens, many of which remain functional. However, according to industry representatives, such requests may require formal legal approval.

With demand for bakery products remaining high across the city, especially from eateries, street vendors and households, bakers have urged authorities to address the fuel supply issue urgently.

Industry leaders warn that if fuel availability is not restored quickly, Mumbai could begin experiencing shortages of pav and bread within the next few days, affecting both consumers and the city’s large food service sector