LPG Shortage Hits Rishikesh Ahead of Char Dham Yatra, Hotels Turn to Coal and Wood

As the Middle East crisis triggered by the Iran-US-Israel war enters its 35th day, various cities across India continue to grapple with a persistent LPG shortage.

Rishikesh has not been spared, with the city now facing a similar energy crisis ahead of the Char Dham Yatra.

The hospitality sector in Rishikesh has been the hardest hit; hotel owners and roadside dhaba operators are struggling to maintain daily operations in light of the LPG crisis.

As a result, they have shifted to alternative fuels like wood and coal to handle their daily operation, which present significant logistical challenges for the eatery outlets.

Vivek Tiwari, a local restaurant owner, highlighted the severity of the situation, noting his business has been forced to resort to alternatives such as wood and coal to sustain their operations.

Will the Ongoing LPG Shortage Disrupt Business Operations in Rishikesh?

"Restaurants in Rishikesh are being forced to use alternatives like wood and coal to sustain daily operations,” Tiwari told ANI.

"While there has been a marginal improvement and we are receiving commercial cylinders from agencies, the current supply remains well below the requirement needed to sustain daily operations," Tiwari added.

However, Rishabh, another restaurant owner, was vocal in his criticism of the ongoing LPG shortage.

"There is a severe problem with the gas supply; we simply are not getting it. We have had to bring in coal and a furnace just to manage our restaurant,” said Rishabh.

“Despite holding a commercial connection, the gas remains unavailable. Even the agencies have raised their hands, declaring there is no possibility of a supply. We have been dealing with these challenges for 15 to 20 days now," he added.

"If the situation remains like this, we will either close our restaurants or increase food prices to keep our business alive. Even the Char Dham Yatra will be adversely affected," warned Rishabh.

Meanwhile, at the second meeting of the Informal Group of Ministers (IGoM), which monitors the evolving situation in West Asia and suggest proactive measures for its minimum impact on India, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said that in view of the "uncertain situation", the Defence Minister underlined the importance of round-the-clock monitoring of the situation and the need to respond in a calibrated manner to deal with any eventuality.

He stressed the need to leave no stone unturned to ensure that the people of the country face the minimum effect of the conflict.

(With inputs from ANI)