PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE /Dehradun
The ongoing shortage of LPG cylinders has become a major concern for many residents ahead of the festival of Eid. The uneven supply has disrupted both household cooking and small food businesses during one of the most important festivals for the city’s Muslim community.
With iftar preparations underway, many families say they are cutting down on traditional dishes due to irregular gas supplies. A Doon resident Neha Khan said that they are avoiding making multiple items this year and fried snacks have been reduced as well. “We are avoiding dishes that have relatively higher cooking times. This is something my family was discussing last night. We used to have multiple dishes on Eid every year. However, my mother suggested she may cook just two items, Kheer and Nihari, at home and my father will bring other delicacies from a nearby market,” she said.
The increasing prices of cooking gas and other items too have made an effect. Asif Khan said that the expenses have increased significantly. “We are spending more on cylinders and still facing shortages. It affects the mood of Eid as well and celebrations feel restricted,” he said. Aman Turk added that the limited availability of LPG has forced families to simplify iftar menus, impacting the festive spirit. “The restaurants have hiked prices in their menu and some have even cut down their menu to conserve gas. Nonetheless, more than food, it is the company of the people that matters. I am excited for the festival,” Turk said.
The shortage has hit local vendors even harder, as Ramzan is typically a peak business period for food stalls at Dehradun’s Inamullah Building. Sahil Khan, who runs a food stall, said that he requires at least four to five cylinders per week but is receiving only two to three. “Due to the shortage, we have stopped selling some items like kebabs and fried snacks,” he said.
The reduced supply has directly affected earnings. Junaid Khan reported a nearly 40 per cent drop in income, saying that fewer menu options have led to declining customer footfall.
Some vendors are trying alternatives, but with limited success. Aman Malik said that he has started using induction, but because he has a commercial electricity meter, he is worried about the next bill. “Managing business has become very difficult during what should be the busiest time of the year for his shop,” he said.
