Gurgaon Food Vendors Face LPG Crisis Amid Global Tensions
In Gurgaon, a severe LPG supply shortage is pushing hundreds of food vendors to the edge of closure, with many left helpless as their livelihoods hang in the balance. The crisis, which emerged unexpectedly, is linked to global tensions disrupting energy supply routes, impacting local businesses that rely heavily on commercial cooking gas.
Vendors Struggle as Supplies Dwindle
Amjad Ali, owner of Alam Chicken Biryani Corner in Udyog Vihar, is down to his last cylinder after his supplier refused further deliveries and stopped responding to calls. "Despite several efforts, I could not arrange cylinders. I will have no option but to close the dhaba. I have no idea what I will do now," Amjad said on Friday, echoing the despair felt across the city.
Sunil Aswal, who runs a dhaba in Sector 28, faces a similar plight with only one day's fuel left. Having survived the Covid lockdowns, he now fears a repeat of 2020 when he was forced to return to Uttarakhand. "I serve around 100 customers daily and have already informed them I may have to shut shop and go back," he shared, highlighting the emotional toll of the crisis.
Financial Strain and Uncertain Futures
For vendors like Bablu from Bihar, who sells noodles in Dundahera, the shortage threatens more than just business. With three children to support and a monthly rent of Rs 35,000 for his stall, he cannot afford downtime. "My stall has been shut for five days. I am only selling tea and Maggi using induction. If this continues, I will have to leave," he lamented, adding that his supplier has refused to provide cylinders.
The crunch is particularly acute for small-scale operators. Amit, a 29-year-old momos stall owner in Chakkarpur market, noted that gas prices have skyrocketed from Rs 150 to Rs 400 per kg, making it unaffordable. "I don't earn that kind of money. I will have to shut my shop from this evening," he said, underscoring the financial pressure.
Suppliers Helpless, Vendors Forced to Adapt
Most suppliers have either abandoned vendors or claimed helplessness, leaving many without recourse. Vakeel Alam of New Zaika Muradabadi anticipates shutting down within days as his LPG stock nears exhaustion. "The supplier expressed his helplessness. We will be forced to close and I will return to my hometown in UP," he explained, with some vendors already sending family members back to ride out the crisis.
Even those willing to pay higher prices are struggling. Birender Yadav, who operates a litti chokha stall outside Guru Dronacharya Metro station, offered Rs 3,000 for a cylinder that once cost Rs 1,100, but to no avail. "I will work here till I have gas. After that, I will move back to my village in Bihar," he said, reflecting the widespread uncertainty.
Residents Also Feel the Pinch
The impact extends beyond vendors to residents. Aniket, a private firm employee in Sheetla Colony, switched to an induction cooktop after the price of refilling a 5kg cylinder rose sharply. "When my cylinder emptied two days ago, I was shocked to hear the price was around Rs 350 per kg. It became difficult to cook food, so I bought an induction," he noted, illustrating the broader community effects.
This LPG crisis, fueled by global disruptions, has reignited fears of economic instability for Gurgaon's food vendors, many of whom are now contemplating a return to their hometowns as a last resort.
