Gaya Hospitality Sector Reels as LPG Crisis Sparks Panic Buying and Tourism Decline
The Gaya administration is grappling with what officials term "fuelled panic" as a severe LPG supply crisis disrupts daily life and business operations across the district. This situation has particularly impacted the hospitality sector in Bodh Gaya, where restaurants are facing imminent closure or have already curtailed their activities due to fuel shortages.
Panic Buying and Black Marketing Concerns Escalate
Apprehensions of hoarding, black marketing, and panic buying have intensified the crisis. According to a Bharat Petroleum vendor, consumers are engaging in panic buying, with some offering as much as Rs 3000 for a 14.2 kg cylinder that is officially priced at Rs 1010 as of Friday. This represents a nearly 200% markup, highlighting the desperation among users.
District Magistrate Shashank Shubhankar has asserted that there is adequate availability of LPG in the district, which has 7,90,941 registered consumers served by 67 distributors. These include 27 Bharat Petroleum dealers, 24 Indian Oil agencies, and 16 Hindustan Petroleum agencies. Despite this, he has cautioned consumers against panic buying and activated a helpline number to address concerns and provide real-time solutions.
Hospitality and Tourism Sectors Bear the Brunt
The crisis is taking a heavy toll on local businesses. Hotel Association Bodh Gaya president Jai Singh warned that restaurants may face closure if LPG supply does not improve within the next couple of days. Adding to the woes, Bodh Gaya Nagar Vikas Manch convener Suresh Singh reported that foreign tourist footfall has nearly halted due to the West Asia crisis and fears of restaurant service disruptions.
Currently, there are about 4,000 foreign tourists in Bodh Gaya, a sharp decline from the usual figure of around 10,000 in mid-March. Vietnamese tourists and pilgrims, who normally visit in large numbers during this period, are notably absent, with very few seen at present.
Businesses Adapt with Backup Plans
In response to the scarcity, some businesses are exploring alternative solutions. Pramod Kumar, owner of a leading confectionery brand with five outlets in Gaya town and three in Patna, has initiated a backup plan by reviving traditional tandoors that use wood as fuel. He is also considering the option of induction stoves if the commercial LPG cylinder shortage persists. Kumar denied reports that production of certain confectioneries requiring additional fuel has been stopped or reduced.
However, the impact is widespread. Bihar Rajya Mistan Bhojan Nirmata-Vikreta Sangh president Lalji Prasad stated that the LPG scarcity has affected nearly 60 major makers of "dalmot" (mixtures) and other snacks in Gaya district, threatening local livelihoods and food supply chains.
Student Returns and Administrative Response
Reports have emerged of students studying outside the state returning home due to the closure of hostel mess facilities, further heightening anxiety among LPG users. While DM Shashank Shubhankar stated he was not aware of such returns, he emphasized that even if students had returned, it would not be a cause for concern as they would stay with family members, and home delivery of LPG would be ensured for genuine consumers.
The district administration continues to monitor the situation closely, urging calm and cooperation from all stakeholders to mitigate the crisis and restore normalcy in Gaya's vital hospitality and tourism sectors.
