New Delhi: The shortage of commercial LPG cylinders in Himachal Pradesh is affecting not only private businesses but also government-linked establishments.
As per a PTI report, kitchens catering to Himachal lawmakers in Shimla have switched to traditional firewood chulahs to continue operations.
Assembly kitchens turn to firewood amid gas shortage
At Hotel Holiday Home, a key property run by the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation, cooking is now being done using firewood. The hotel plays a crucial role during the Assembly session, preparing meals for legislators, staff and visitors.
According to PTI, the kitchen caters to several hundred people daily, including members of the Vidhan Sabha and support staff. With the budget session under way, ensuring uninterrupted food service has become a priority.
Kitchen staff said they are sourcing firewood locally to keep meals running despite the gas shortage.
Hotels, dhabas struggle as supply tightens
The impact of the LPG shortage is being felt across Shimla, with several restaurants and roadside eateries either scaling down operations or shutting temporarily. According to PTI, many small businesses are struggling to cope with the lack of commercial cylinders.
Workers at Hotel Holiday Home said they are preparing food for up to 700 people a day and have decided to continue using firewood until supplies stabilise. Staff members said the shortage is linked to ongoing tensions in West Asia, which have affected fuel supply chains.
Private business owners are facing a tougher situation. Some have reduced their menu, while others have closed shop altogether. A dhaba owner in Shimla said he had to send staff home as he could not continue operations without gas.
Another eatery owner near the Ridge said his establishment had remained shut for the past three days, with suppliers unable to provide fresh cylinders.
Officials and business owners alike said they are hoping for a quick improvement in supply, but for now, many kitchens across the hill state are back to relying on firewood to keep meals going.
