PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE /Dehradun
The ongoing West Asia conflict has continued to affect small and medium businesses in the city. Restaurant and dhaba owners are facing a shortage of commercial LPG cylinders, which has disrupted their daily work and reduced the number of customers.
A restaurant owner said that the shortage of commercial gas is creating major problems. He said they cannot use domestic cylinders, so they are forced to use wood for cooking. Even then, they are unable to complete orders on time. This has led to fewer customers and a drop in daily earnings. He added that they need at least three cylinders every week, but are getting only two to three cylinders in a month. He appealed to the government to solve the issue soon.
Another eatery owner said that they had to use old kerosene stoves for the first time. This has increased cooking time and affected food quality. Due to this, customers have started avoiding their outlet. He warned that if the situation does not improve, they may have to shut down their business.
Due to the shortage of commercial cylinders, many restaurants and roadside eateries have reduced their menus. A street vendor in Dalanwala said he has stopped preparing items that require more gas, such as chowmein and special momos. He said cylinders are very difficult to get, forcing him to limit his offerings.
Restaurant owners have also increased prices to manage losses. For example, tea that earlier cost Rs 10 is now being sold for Rs 15. Some vendors have started using stoves (bhatti) to prepare food and tea. Many small vendors have even stopped operating.
Business owners say that if the supply of commercial LPG cylinders is not restored soon, more small eateries may be forced to close.
