Hotels, roadside eateries and Navratri langars brace for disruption amid rising demand and supply delays
S Gopal Puri
Dharamshala
A growing shortage of LPG cylinders in Himachal Pradesh has triggered widespread concern across the hospitality and religious sectors. What began as a supply issue for commercial kitchens has now escalated into a statewide challenge, threatening to impact hotels, roadside eateries, and large-scale religious events like Navratri langars.
In key tourist hubs such as Shimla, Manali, Dharamshala, Kullu, and Solan, hotel owners report delays in receiving commercial LPG cylinders, forcing them to scale back kitchen operations. With the upcoming tourist season and Navratri festivities expected to draw large crowds, stakeholders fear the crisis could intensify.
Tourism and Hospitality at Risk
According to the Tourism Department, Himachal Pradesh hosts over 9,800 registered hotels, guest houses, and homestays, alongside more than 1,000 restaurants and hundreds of roadside dhabas. In Shimla alone, over 600 establishments cater to thousands of tourists daily, many relying on multiple LPG cylinders for daily food preparation.
The March–June period marks peak tourist season, with last year’s figures showing 1.80 crore domestic and 83,000 foreign visitors. During this time, LPG demand surges dramatically, making supply stability crucial.
Religious Events Face Uncertainty
The shortage also threatens to disrupt religious services. Himachal, known as “Devbhoomi,” witnesses a massive influx of devotees during Navratri at temples like Chintpurni, Jwalamukhi, Naina Devi, Chamunda, and Baglamukhi. Daily langars serve thousands, requiring a steady supply of LPG. Organizers warn that without reliable access to gas, food distribution may be compromised or require costly alternatives.
Rising Prices Add Pressure
In addition to supply delays, rising LPG prices are compounding the problem. In Shimla, domestic cylinders now cost over ₹1,000, while commercial units exceed ₹2,000. Hotel and food service operators say the dual burden of cost and irregular supply is straining their operations.
Calls for Government Intervention
Trade bodies and hotel associations have urged the government and oil companies to ensure timely and adequate LPG distribution, especially during the tourism season and major religious events. Experts caution that if corrective measures are not taken soon, the ripple effects could harm tourism revenue, local businesses, and community services.
