NEW DELHI: In a strategic move to prevent the collapse of the hospitality sector during the ongoing energy crisis, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has announced a temporary relaxation for restaurants, hotels, and small eateries across the National Capital Region (NCR). The directive permits the use of wood and coal in traditional tandoors for a limited period, providing a crucial alternative as Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) supplies face significant disruptions.
This decision follows a formal advisory from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) issued on March 12, 2026, which highlighted the operational challenges faced by businesses due to the “Natural Gas (Supply Regulation) Order, 2026.” Given the scarcity of piped and bottled gas, the CAQM reviewed the situation with the Ministry of Petroleum and gas distribution agencies before opting to ease environmental restrictions to ensure smooth business operations and food security in the capital region.
The exemption is strictly time-bound, remaining effective for only one month or until further notice, whichever occurs earlier. While the use of solid fuels is temporarily allowed, the Commission clarified that all other environmental safeguards under Directive No. 65 of June 2022 remain in force. This includes the mandatory use of emission control devices and chimney filters to mitigate the impact on air quality.
The hospitality industry has welcomed the move, noting that the global energy supply chain issues had made it nearly impossible to sustain operations solely on gas. However, state pollution control boards have been tasked with monitoring these establishments closely to ensure that the relaxation is not misused and that businesses revert to cleaner fuels as soon as the supply chain stabilizes.
