Rishikesh, Uttarakhand : Rishikesh, Uttarakhand is currently grappling with an alarming shortage of commercial LPG cylinders, a crisis that has begun to paralyze the daily functioning of local businesses and deeply affect residents. The sacred town, widely known as the primary gateway to the Char Dham pilgrimage, is witnessing an unprecedented disruption in its food service sector, with restaurants, hotels, and roadside eateries struggling to sustain operations.
The gravity of the situation becomes evident through the voices of those directly impacted. Suresh, a dhaba owner in the region, expressed his distress, stating that the rising cost and unavailability of gas cylinders have pushed small business owners into a corner. He revealed that cylinders are being sold in the black market at an exorbitant price of Rs 2,500, far beyond the reach of many. “We are facing a lot of problems because gas cylinders are getting expensive. If someone is selling on the black market, they are charging Rs 2,500,” he said, highlighting the severity of the supply crunch.
Adding to the crisis is the reported inefficiency at distribution agencies. According to Suresh, agency officials are insisting on prior bookings, leaving many without immediate access to essential fuel. “The situation is bad at the agency as well. They say that the gas will be available only if we had made a prior booking,” he added, emphasizing the rigid and inadequate system that fails to meet urgent demands.
The impact of this shortage extends far beyond individual businesses. Vivek Tiwari, owner of Tiwari Shudh Vaishno Bhojnalay, painted a grim picture of the broader consequences. He pointed out that despite assurances from authorities claiming normal supply conditions, the ground reality tells a different story. “While the government has said that the gas supply is normal, we are not getting enough gas as per our needs,” he stated, underlining the disconnect between official claims and actual availability.
The repercussions are visibly severe. Many restaurants across Rishikesh have been forced to shut down temporarily, unable to continue operations without a steady fuel supply. This has not only impacted livelihoods but also inconvenienced the large number of pilgrims and tourists who depend on these establishments. “You can see that the restaurants in Rishikesh have been closed,” Vivek Tiwari remarked, drawing attention to the growing economic strain.
In a striking regression, several business owners have been compelled to revert to traditional methods of cooking using coal and wood. This shift not only increases operational difficulty but also raises concerns about hygiene, efficiency, and environmental impact. “We have to rely on coal and wood like we used to in the older days,” he said, reflecting the desperation of the situation.
The crisis has sparked a strong demand for clarity and accountability. Business owners are urging for a transparent and well-coordinated policy framework that clearly defines the roles and responsibilities of agency operators, authorities, and supply chains. The absence of such coordination has left many in uncertainty, struggling to sustain their businesses amidst mounting losses.
As Rishikesh continues to face this pressing challenge, the voices of its residents and entrepreneurs echo a unified plea for immediate intervention and sustainable solutions. The situation not only threatens the local economy but also risks undermining the town’s significance as a major spiritual and tourist hub.
