LPG – Rishikesh Businesses Struggle as Commercial Gas Shortage Deepens
LPG – Business activities across several hotels and roadside eateries in Rishikesh have been severely disrupted due to an acute shortage of commercial LPG cylinders, leaving many establishments struggling to operate normally.
Shortage Forces Closures and Traditional Cooking Methods
Restaurant and dhaba owners in the town report that the limited availability of commercial gas has brought daily operations to a halt in many places. Some businesses have temporarily shut down, while others have turned to older cooking practices such as using coal and firewood to keep their kitchens running.
Owners say the situation has not only increased operational challenges but has also slowed down service, affecting customer experience in a town that relies heavily on tourism.
Ground Reality Contrasts Official Claims
Local business operators have raised concerns over what they describe as a mismatch between official statements and actual supply conditions. Vivek Tiwari, who runs a local eatery, explained that despite assurances of normal supply, the quantity of gas being delivered is far below demand.
He added that the shortage is particularly worrying given Rishikesh’s role as a major entry point for pilgrims heading to the Char Dham route. The reduced functioning of eateries could impact visitors during an already important travel period.
Rising Costs and Black Market Concerns
Apart from the shortage, the rising cost of cylinders has added to the difficulties faced by small business owners. Some have reported that in the absence of regular supply, cylinders are being sold at significantly inflated prices in the black market, reaching as high as Rs 2,500 per unit.
Another local dhaba owner, Suresh, noted that even official agencies are unable to meet demand promptly. According to him, supply is being restricted to prior bookings, which leaves many businesses without immediate access to fuel. The combined effect of higher costs and inconsistent availability has resulted in financial losses for many establishments.
Government Introduces New Distribution Guidelines
In response to the growing demand and supply imbalance, the Uttarakhand government has rolled out a revised Standard Operating Procedure for distributing commercial LPG. The updated guidelines aim to ensure a more transparent and priority-based allocation system.
Officials have stated that the state has secured an additional 6 percent quota of commercial LPG through efforts to promote piped natural gas. When combined with a 20 percent allocation from the central government, the total availability has increased significantly. The new system is designed to prevent disruptions in key sectors such as tourism, industry, and religious travel.
Special Allocation Measures for Events and Industries
The revised rules include specific provisions for events such as weddings. A fixed number of cylinders are now allocated daily for such occasions, with strict limits on usage and mandatory prior approval from district authorities. This measure is intended to prevent misuse and ensure fair distribution.
Industrial supply has also been prioritized in certain districts, including Dehradun, Haridwar, and Udham Singh Nagar, where demand remains consistently high.
Broader Supply Disruptions Add to Challenges
The current shortage is linked to wider disruptions in global energy supply chains. Earlier in March, geopolitical tensions in West Asia affected the availability of crude oil and LPG, leading to supply constraints across several regions in India.
Similar challenges were reported in nearby hill stations such as Mussoorie, where hotel owners were forced to explore alternative cooking arrangements due to limited gas supply.
Tourism Sector Faces Uncertain Period
With Rishikesh being a key destination for both pilgrims and tourists, the ongoing shortage has raised concerns about the broader impact on the local economy. Business owners are urging authorities to address the supply gap quickly to avoid further disruptions during peak travel periods.
While the new distribution policy aims to stabilize the situation, its effectiveness will depend on timely implementation and consistent supply in the coming weeks.