Mussoorie: The “Queen of the Hills” is facing an unusual challenge. A shortage of commercial LPG cylinders has hit hotels and restaurants, forcing them to switch to alternative fuels. The problem has emerged due to disruptions in supply chains linked to the ongoing West Asia crisis.
Mussoorie’s economy depends heavily on tourism. With the summer season approaching and the Char Dham Yatra set to begin soon, the shortage of LPG has created serious concerns. Restaurant owners say they are struggling to maintain their menus and daily operations.
Hoteliers Speak Out
Local restaurant owner Sandeep Sahni explained that while the shortage is not yet a full-blown crisis, it has forced businesses to adapt quickly. “We have curtailed our menus slightly. Cooking is being done on induction plates, coal tandoors, and firewood. Our effort is to ensure tourists do not face inconvenience,” he said.
Another popular café owner, Naresh of Chick Chocolate, said the situation has become very difficult. “We have five kitchens but received only one cylinder in the last 15 days. Half our menu has been cut. We are using induction and coil heaters, but it is not enough. The tourist season is approaching, and we don’t know how long this will last,” he explained.
Struggles with Supply
Restaurant owner Narendra Singh Rautela highlighted the uncertainty of supply. “If someone’s daily consumption was 20 cylinders, they are now struggling to get even one or two. Our pizza oven ran on gas, but now we are using wood and electricity. This is hurting business badly,” he said.
He added that logistics in Mussoorie are poor, and sourcing coal and wood is also difficult. “No one knows what the ultimate solution will be,” he remarked.
Tourist Experience
Despite the challenges, hoteliers and restaurant owners are trying to ensure that tourists do not face inconvenience. So far, visitors have not complained, and many establishments are working hard to maintain service quality by improvising with alternative fuels.
Business owners hope that LPG supplies will normalize soon. Until then, they are relying on electric stoves, coal, and wood to keep their kitchens running. The situation highlights the vulnerability of hill economies that depend on tourism and the importance of stable fuel supplies.