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A sharp surge in coal demand has been reported across hill regions, particularly in Shimla, as eateries grapple with an acute shortage of LPG cylinders amid global fuel disruptions linked to the ongoing Israel-Iran crisis.
The fuel crunch has begun to significantly impact the food-service sector, with small restaurants and roadside dhabas increasingly shifting to coal-based cooking as LPG supplies become erratic and delayed. Local workers say the situation has worsened in recent weeks, with cylinder deliveries taking far longer than usual, disrupting daily operations. Rajkumar, a local dhaba worker, highlighted the severity of the issue, saying, "It's becoming too much of a problem. Earlier, we used to get one cylinder daily, but now it takes nearly four weeks. Because of this, we have no option but to burn coal." He added that there is confusion even among owners about fluctuating fuel prices, making it difficult to manage costs. Showing similar concerns, Bhim Singh, another dhaba worker, said this is the first time such a crisis has been experienced at this scale. "We are facing a lot of problems due to the gas shortage. Coal suppliers have also increased their rates, and sometimes we don't even get a regular supply. Customers have to wait longer, and we may have to cut down on menu items," he said, adding that delays in cooking are now a daily challenge affecting both workers and business. Coal suppliers, meanwhile, confirm a spike in demand driven by rising LPG prices and supply disruptions in the commercial sector. Vikram Bhagra, a local coal supplier, said, "Demand has increased significantly because many restaurants that earlier depended on gas have now shifted to coal. Even those using electric systems are ordering coal as a backup." He noted that while demand has risen sharply, supply chains are also under pressure. "Earlier, demand would rise by 10-12 kg, but now it has increased by 15-20 kg or more. We have increased prices slightly around Rs 3 per kg because procurement costs have gone up," Bhagra said. Bhagra further pointed to logistical challenges, including delays in coal transportation due to rising fuel prices and truck availability issues. However, he added that business for coal suppliers has grown amid the crisis. "The business has actually increased for us, but the restaurant sector is under pressure as their costs have gone up," he said. Industry observers say the situation reflects a broader national trend, where LPG shortages and high fuel costs are forcing eateries to adapt quickly, often at the cost of efficiency and sustainability. In cities as well as hill regions, many establishments are turning to coal, kerosene, and even wood-fired stoves to keep operations running. While increased coal availability in Shimla has provided temporary relief, experts warn that reliance on such alternatives is neither environmentally sustainable nor economically stable in the long run. Unless fuel supplies normalise and global tensions ease, stakeholders say the food-service industry, especially small businesses in vulnerable regions like the hills, will continue to face mounting operational challenges. (ANI)
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