Bhopal Dhabas Face Severe LPG Crisis, Threatening Closure of Roadside Eateries
Roadside dhabas on the outskirts of Bhopal are confronting a critical shortage of commercial LPG cylinders, with many owners struggling to sustain their kitchens and facing the looming possibility of permanent closure. The crisis has persisted for over a week, severely impacting the operations of these essential roadside eateries.
Menu Cuts and Operational Challenges
The shortage has forced numerous dhabas to drastically reduce their menus, limit cooking hours, and increasingly rely on dishes that can be prepared without regular gas supplies. Tawa-based items, which form the backbone of meals served at most dhabas, are the worst affected. Everyday staples such as tawa roti, bhaji, egg preparations, and stir-fried dishes require a steady gas supply, and without it, operators are being compelled to scale back their offerings.
In many locations, only tandoor-based food remains available, as tandoors can be operated using wood or coal when LPG is unavailable. This shift has significantly altered the dining experience for customers who typically expect complete, traditional meals.
Impact on Business and Employment
At Highway Dhaba near Hoshangabad Road, owner Anu Shukla reported that the menu has been sharply curtailed due to the shortage. Most tawa items have been eliminated, leaving mainly tandoori chicken and kebabs. Shukla noted that customers usually arrive expecting full meals, and the reduced menu has led to a substantial decline in business.
Employing 15 workers, Shukla's monthly gas bill typically exceeds Rs 25,000, but the current supply disruption has reduced business by approximately 60%. Similar issues are being reported in areas such as Misrod, Obaidullaganj, and Raisen Road, indicating a widespread problem across Bhopal's outskirts.
Black-Market Cylinders and Rising Costs
The scarcity has driven some dhaba owners to seek alternatives, but even black-market cylinders are becoming difficult to obtain. Sunita Bai, who operates a family dhaba on the Bhopal-Jabalpur highway, highlighted that the price of these cylinders has reportedly surged to around Rs 4,500, compared to the usual Rs 1,800, placing additional financial strain on small businesses.
Broader Implications and Health Concerns
The shortage extends beyond individual businesses, affecting the broader community. The truckers' union has appealed to the state government to swiftly restore commercial cylinder supplies, warning that drivers are facing fewer food choices and escalating prices during their journeys.
Experts have raised concerns about the potential health risks associated with the use of improvised fuels, such as wood or coal, in dhaba kitchens. They warn that these alternatives may compromise hygiene standards and increase health hazards for both workers and customers.
As the LPG crisis continues, dhaba owners in Bhopal are calling for immediate intervention to prevent further business losses and ensure the survival of these vital roadside eateries that serve countless travelers and locals daily.
