Dehradun: The temporary halt in the supply of commercial LPG cylinders in Uttarakhand has created a major crisis for hotels, restaurants, and small food outlets across the state.
With the tourist season at its peak and the upcoming Char Dham Yatra expected to bring thousands of visitors, business owners say the situation could badly affect tourism and their livelihoods.
Crisis due to rising tensions between Iran and Israel in West Asia
The shortage of commercial gas cylinders has been linked to global fuel supply disruptions caused by rising tensions between Iran and Israel in West Asia. Although petrol and diesel supplies in India remain unaffected so far, the impact has been seen on the supply of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), especially for commercial users.
Government has temporarily stopped the booking of commercial gas cylinders
Because of the situation, the government has temporarily stopped the booking of commercial gas cylinders. At present, these cylinders are being supplied only to essential services such as hospitals, hostels, and emergency facilities. While domestic LPG cylinders are still available for households, the booking rules have been changed. Earlier, people could book the second domestic cylinder after 21 days, but now they have to wait 25 days.
Decision has created serious problems for businesses
The decision has created serious problems for businesses that depend on commercial gas for daily cooking. In tourist-heavy areas like Dehradun, Nainital, Mussoorie, Haridwar, and Uttarkashi, many hotels and eateries say they are struggling to keep their kitchens running.
Digvijay Singh Bisht, President of the Hotel Association in Nainital, said many roadside eateries and dhabas in the area have already shut down because they cannot get gas cylinders. According to him, hotels are somehow managing for now, but if the problem continues, they may not survive during the peak tourist season.
He also said to News9live that hotel owners have requested the government to provide rationed commercial cylinders so that businesses can continue operating. If the situation does not improve, many hotels may be forced to reduce their food menus or limit services for tourists.
Effects of the gas ban are already being felt in the region
Similar concerns were raised by Shailendra Singh Matuda, President of the Hotel Association in Uttarkashi. He said the effects of the gas ban are already being felt in the region. If the shortage continues, it could affect the Char Dham Yatra and the tourism sector, which is the backbone of Uttarakhand’s economy.
Sandeep Sahni, President of the Hotel Association in Uttarakhand, also expressed concern about the situation. He said hotels across the state are facing difficulties due to the lack of commercial gas cylinders.
Many hotels are now trying alternative cooking methods
To continue serving tourists, many hotels are now trying alternative cooking methods. Some are using electrical induction cookers, ovens, and even firewood. However, these methods are not always suitable for large-scale cooking in hotels and restaurants.
In Dehradun, hotel industry leaders say the situation is becoming increasingly difficult. Manu Kochhar, President of the Dehradun Hotel Industry Association, said restaurant owners are unable to obtain gas from anywhere because government supply has been halted.
He said while the industry supports the government during a difficult time, a complete ban on commercial cylinders is hurting businesses. If the situation continues for long, many restaurants, hotels, and food outlets may be forced to shut down, which could also affect the jobs of many workers.
Some hotels started using ovens and induction cookers to prepare food
Restaurant owner Ravish Gaba said he has started using ovens and induction cookers to prepare food. However, some dishes cannot be made without gas. For example, he said it is very difficult to cook dosa on an electric setup because the dosa tawa usually requires gas flame.
Another business owner, Varun Gulati, who runs a bakery and cafe, said he had gas supply only for a day when he heard about the shortage. He tried to contact his supplier but could not reach them. As a result, he ordered electric hot plates to continue cooking. Even then, he had to reduce his menu by about 25 percent because many items cannot be prepared with electric equipment.
Hospitals, hostels, and schools will receive priority
According to Dehradun District Supply Officer K.K. Aggarwal, there are around 19,000 commercial gas connections in the district. The central government has set rules under which essential institutions like hospitals, hostels, and schools will receive priority for commercial gas supply.
For other commercial users, a committee formed by the three major gas companies will decide distribution depending on gas availability in the country and domestic consumption needs.
Cabinet Minister Satpal Maharaj has urged people not to panic
Uttarakhand Cabinet Minister Satpal Maharaj has urged people not to panic. He said the supply of domestic gas cylinders remains normal and there is enough stock for households.
He explained that the global fuel supply system depends on several countries, and conflicts in sensitive regions like West Asia can disrupt supply chains. According to him, the current shortage is temporary and the government is closely monitoring the situation.
However, hotel and restaurant owners say that if commercial gas supplies are not restored soon, the tourism industry in Uttarakhand could face serious challenges during one of its busiest seasons.