LPG crisis casts shadow over Gudi Padwa and Eid festivities

Chhatrapti Sambhajinagar: The upcoming dual celebrations of Gudi Padwa and Eid are facing a significant challenge as an ongoing LPG crisis grips the region. Delays in domestic refill deliveries and a severe shortage of commercial cylinders have forced households and businesses to scale back their festive preparations.For many homemakers, the fuel crunch has directly impacted traditional kitchen rituals. Aarati Harsulkar, a local resident, shared that she has been forced to trim her Gudi Padwa menu to conserve gas. "It is prudent to save fuel in case the crisis worsens. While a curtailed menu is certainly a dampener on the festivities, we have no other choice," she said.The hospitality sector is feeling the pinch even more acutely. Shivaji Patil, president, Hotel Association of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, revealed that many establishments are pivoting to alternative cooking methods to stay afloat."There has been no supply of commercial LPG cylinders for at least five days, posing a major threat to our businesses," Patil said. "To avoid losses during the festive rush, hotels and eateries are switching to traditional wood and coal-fired chulhas, as well as electric induction plates, cookers, and fryers."The business community has also expressed concern over the long-term implications of the shortage. Laxminarayan Rathi, vice-president of the local merchants' body, warned that the crisis could have a cascading effect on the local economy if the supply chain is not restored immediately."We appeal to the govt to take proactive steps to ease the situation before the peak of the festival," Rathi stated. He also urged the public to remain calm, adding, "Citizens should avoid panic-booking cylinders, as that only adds further strain to the distribution system."