Bhubaneswar: A severe shortage of commercial LPG has forced the hospitality industry in Odisha to return to traditional wood-fired stoves to keep kitchens operational.
Across major hubs like Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, and Balasore, hotels and restaurants are increasingly substituting gas burners with firewood and coal as commercial cylinder supplies have dropped by nearly 60 to 75 percent.
The crisis has hit small and medium-sized eateries the hardest. Many business owners report that they are now purchasing firewood at double the usual market price to avoid total closure.
In Balasore, hotel owners have highlighted that the inability to cook has put the livelihoods of thousands of staff families at risk. Larger establishments in Bhubaneswar, which previously faced a municipal ban on coal and wood burning due to air pollution, are now seeking temporary exemptions or are operating at a reduced capacity to ration their remaining gas stocks.
The hospitality sector in Capital City is grappling with a significant crisis as a severe shortage of commercial LPG cylinders has disrupted operations across the city.
Many major hotels and restaurants have been forced to alter their menus, with some halting the preparation of non-vegetarian dishes to conserve limited gas stocks.
Others have shifted to traditional wood-fired stoves or induction heaters to keep their kitchens running, though these alternatives are often insufficient for high-volume commercial needs.
The crisis is primarily attributed to international supply chain disruptions stemming from ongoing conflicts in West Asia, which have impacted the availability of petroleum products and liquefied natural gas nationwide. In Odisha, the situation has been compounded by allegations of local black marketing and the diversion of cylinders. Reports indicate that while domestic supply remains a priority, the government is currently only able to meet approximately 40 percent of the total demand for commercial customers.
Hoteliers and members of the Hotel and Restaurant Association of Odisha recently sought urgent intervention from the state government. They reported that distributors are now requiring special permissions from district collectors or senior police officials before releasing 19kg commercial cylinders, creating a new administrative hurdle for businesses already struggling to secure fuel.
In response, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has ordered a statewide crackdown on hoarding and artificial shortages. Authorities have conducted over 100 raids and seized approximately 1,500 cylinders to curb illegal trade. While the state government has assured the public that essential stocks are being monitored, the hospitality industry warns of potential shutdowns and job losses if a steady supply of commercial LPG is not restored soon