Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi

Udupi, Apr 7: A severe shortage of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) is causing significant distress in Udupi, forcing both transportation and catering sectors to abandon gas and adopt expensive alternatives like petrol and firewood.

The crisis has severely impacted auto-rickshaw drivers, many of whom had transitioned to running on eco-friendly LPG. Previously, LPG was available at stations in Kinni Mulki, Bannanje, and Barkur at a reasonable price of Rs 62 per kilogram. However, following the shortage, the price has skyrocketed to an unaffordable Rs 120 per kg. Facing a severe income crunch, many drivers have taken to refueling their rickshaws with petrol, while others have simply parked their vehicles at home and sought alternative employment until the situation improves.

Representational image

The catering industry is also in turmoil. Restaurants, hotels, and small canteens are struggling to secure commercial gas cylinders. With conventional supply chains disrupted, many business owners are being forced to purchase cylinders from the black market at nearly three times the normal rate.

As a result, many small eateries and canteens have reverted to traditional and labor-intensive methods of food preparation. There is a surge in demand for firewood, kerosene stoves, and air-blower systems to fire up stoves. These blowers, essential for increasing heat efficiency with alternative fuels, are becoming scarce.

Suppliers have informed customers that online orders for new blower stoves, which are typically sourced from Bengaluru or Belgaum, are now on backorder, with a delivery delay of 25 to 40 days. The cost for these systems, including taxes and shipping, is also high, ranging between Rs 38,000 and Rs 45,000.

The crisis in Udupi is linked to geopolitical tensions, specifically the ongoing conflict involving a major gas exporter. There is widespread concern that if the war persists, its negative effects will continue to propagate throughout other sectors of the local economy.