PATNA, March 11 -- Several restaurants and eateries across Patna are facing the prospect of temporary closure amid an ongoing shortage of 19-kg commercial LPG cylinders, which operators attribute to disruptions in liquefied natural gas shipments through the Strait of Hormuz due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

The disruption prompted the Centre on Tuesday to invoke the provisions of the Essential Commodities Act, 1955 to regulate the availability, supply and equitable distribution of petroleum products and natural gas. The move includes diverting natural gas supplies to priority sectors, triggering concerns among restaurant owners about erratic LPG availability and its impact on business.

Adding to the anxiety of consumers is...