LPG Shortage in Chandigarh Area Drives Residents to Traditional Cooking Methods
In the wake of the ongoing West Asian crisis, which has severely disrupted local supply chains, residents of Chandigarh, Mohali, and surrounding areas are grappling with a significant LPG shortage. This has forced many to revert to alternative cooking means, including traditional wood-fired stoves, known as chullahs, and coal, as they struggle to secure timely refills for their cylinders.
Long Queues and Delayed Deliveries at LPG Agencies
Over the past few days, long lines have formed outside LPG agencies across the region, with residents patiently waiting with empty cylinders in hopes of obtaining refills. Numerous consumers have reported difficulties in booking cylinders, citing delays of two to three days for delivery. The uncertainty in supply has left many households in a precarious position, particularly those with children who require daily meals.
Surge in Demand for Wood and Coal as Alternatives
Local firewood and coal shops have experienced a dramatic increase in business, with vendors noting unprecedented crowds. Many households are purchasing small iron chullahs, priced between Rs 250 and Rs 300, as a temporary solution until normal LPG supply resumes. For instance, B B Thapa of Nayagaon shared his experience: "I tried to buy a cylinder but was told it would take three days. With children at home, we had to cook daily, so we bought a chullah for Rs 250 and started using coal." Similarly, Ravinder Singh from Khudda Alisher purchased a chullah for Rs 300, expressing frustration over the prolonged crisis.
Vendors in several markets have reported that their stocks of wood and coal are depleting rapidly due to the heightened demand. However, they assure that fresh supplies are available and capable of meeting the current needs, although the situation remains fluid.
Allegations of Inflated Prices and Commercial Disparities
Amid the domestic LPG scarcity, some residents have raised concerns about commercial establishments receiving uninterrupted supplies. They allege that domestic cylinders are being sold at inflated prices, ranging from Rs 1,200 to Rs 1,600 in certain areas, exacerbating the hardship for ordinary consumers. This disparity has led to calls for authorities and gas agencies to intervene and restore regular supply promptly.
Community Efforts: Langar Service Restored at Mata Mansa Devi Shrine
In a positive development, the langar service at the Mata Mansa Devi temple in Panchkula was restored on Friday, thanks to the intervention of Deputy Commissioner Satpal Sharma. After facing disruptions for a few days, three community Bhandara halls are now continuously preparing and serving free meals to devotees from morning until late night. Temple authorities have committed to maintaining uninterrupted langar services, despite challenges related to LPG supply and other cooking arrangements. In the evening, DSP Sita Ram visited the main hall to serve langar, highlighting community solidarity during this crisis.
As the LPG shortage persists, residents urge swift action to alleviate their cooking woes and ensure a return to normalcy in the region.
