Shimla: Due to the shortage of commercial LPG cylinders in the state, the stoves of many hotels and roadside dhabas have started going cold. As a result, several dhaba owners are now relying on induction stoves and alternative cooking methods to continue their operations.
Hotel and dhaba operators say that the supply of commercial LPG cylinders has not been regular, causing their existing stock to gradually run out. Because of this shortage, many establishments are now using gas cylinders only when absolutely necessary. Some highway dhabas have even built traditional wood-fired tandoors to manage cooking, while others have shifted partially to induction-based cooking.
Dhaba owners including Daya Ram, Ram Kumar, Gopal, Babli, Anil, Rohit, Yugal, Pappi, Sudarshan, and Jarnail Singh said that the unavailability of commercial cylinders has created serious difficulties for their businesses. Several small eateries have even been forced to temporarily shut down due to the crisis.
The closure of dhabas has also caused inconvenience to tourists and highway drivers who depend on these establishments for meals during their journeys.
Meanwhile, the Food and Civil Supplies Department stated that 84 vehicles carrying more than 28,728 LPG cylinders reached the state on Friday for distribution across 11 districts. According to Director Ram Kumar Gautam, the supply includes 2,394 cylinders for Bilaspur, 684 for Chamba, 3,420 for Hamirpur, 5,130 for Kangra, 684 for Kinnaur, 684 for Kullu, 3,420 for Mandi, 5,130 for Shimla, 2,394 for Sirmaur, 2,394 for Solan, and 3,078 for Una.
Officials clarified that adequate LPG stock is available in the state, but the central government has directed that domestic LPG cylinders be given priority over commercial cylinders for now. As a result, hotel and dhaba owners continue to face difficulties in maintaining their businesses. If the supply of commercial LPG cylinders is not restored soon, more eateries may be forced to close in the coming days.
