India, April 5 -- Restaurants and street food vendors across Delhi are facing a severe gas shortage, forcing many to trim menus and switch to alternative fuels like coal and wood. The shortage, linked to the ongoing West Asia conflict, has disrupted operations in commercial kitchens and small eateries, creating challenges for both owners and patrons.

Across the capital, street vendors and small eateries are particularly affected. "We usually use LPG for our tandoori rotis and chaats. Now, we have to use coal for some dishes, which is slower," said Suresh Kumar, who runs a roadside food stall in South Delhi. "Customers are waiting longer, and we cannot prepare certain items at all."

Outside many stalls, queues have grown longer and food ...