Nagpur: The landmark Indian Coffee House at Sadar has begun shutting early during the day due to shortage of LPG, disrupting a long-standing routine for its regular patrons who frequent the joint for leisurely afternoons.Staffers said the outlet will now operate only during morning hours, when footfall is highest, and close by noon to conserve cooking gas. “We are short of cooking gas,” waiters said, turning down orders even as regulars continued to gather for conversations.The over 50-year-old coffee house, known as a meeting point for intellectuals, professionals and loyal patrons, typically remains open from early morning till past 8pm. Each group of regulars is known to visit at specific hours.Management sources said the kitchen uses around three cylinders a day, but supply has dropped significantly. “Now we receive only two cylinders at a time, twice a week, compared to fresh supplies four times a week earlier,” a source said.“It could be managed till a week ago, but as reserve stock is exhausted, we have no option but to shut early,” a staffer said.Regulars expressed concern over the curtailed hours. “We visit multiple times a day, sometimes just to meet friends or hold client meetings. It’s unfortunate if the place shuts early due to the gas crisis,” said P G Philip, a real estate agent and a regular at the Coffee House.
