Patna Hostels Forced to Adopt Traditional Cooking Methods Amid LPG Shortage
In Patna, a city with a substantial student population and numerous hostels, the ongoing LPG cylinder crisis has prompted hostel owners and cooks to revert to age-old cooking techniques. Faced with the widespread unavailability of commercial cylinders and staggered distribution of household ones, many are now turning to coal and wood as alternative fuel sources.
Impact on Local Businesses and Student Life
Deepak Kumar, who operates a Chinese food stall in a student-centric area, expressed concern over his dwindling gas supply. "My available gas will last only seven more days," he stated. "Students heavily rely on my food, but I will have to close down soon because fast food cannot be prepared over coal or wood." This highlights the broader economic repercussions of the crisis on small vendors catering to the academic community.
Hostel Operators Adapt to Challenging Conditions
Prince Kumar Sharma, a hostel owner with nine branches in Patna since 2014, began using coal for cooking starting Thursday. "Approximately 10kg of coal per meal is needed to feed 125 people in my Anandpuri hostel," he explained. Sharma noted that residents have been understanding, with cold breakfasts served as a temporary measure. He added, "I cannot shut down the hostels until coaching centres suspend classes, even though vendors currently lack gas cylinders."
Another operator, Vikash Kumar, who runs 15 hostels housing around 1,000 students, has also made adjustments. "Instead of two types of sabzi, only one is being made for now," he said. "It costs Rs 20 per kg of coal, and 40kg is required daily for all meals." This shift not only increases operational costs but also complicates meal preparation.
Cooks Face Difficulties with Alternative Fuels
Dilip, a cook employed in one of the hostels, described the hardships of using coal. "It is very difficult cooking with coal, as it is not only time-consuming but also challenging due to the excessive smoke produced," he remarked. This underscores the practical obstacles faced by those on the front lines of the crisis, affecting both efficiency and working conditions.
The situation in Patna reflects a growing reliance on traditional methods amid modern fuel shortages, disrupting daily life for students and businesses alike. As the LPG cylinder crisis persists, hostel owners continue to seek sustainable solutions while balancing the needs of their residents.
