Shortage leaves dhabas, weary travellers stranded at highways

Bhopal: Roadside dhabas on the outskirts of Bhopal are facing a severe shortage of commercial LPG cylinders and a looming possibility of closure, leaving many owners struggling to keep their kitchens running. The worst affected are tawa-based items, which form the backbone of meals served at most dhabas. Everyday staples such as tawa roti, bhaji, egg preparations, and stir-fried dishes require a steady gas supply, and without it, operators are being pushed to scale back. The shortage, which has continued for more than a week, has forced several eateries to reduce their menus, limit cooking hours, and depend heavily on dishes that can be prepared without regular gas supplies. In many places, only tandoor-based food is available, since tandoors can be run on wood or coal when LPG is unavailable.At Highway Dhaba near Hoshangabad Road, owner Anu Shukla said the menu has been cut sharply because of the shortage. According to him, most tawa items have been dropped, leaving mainly tandoori chicken and kebabs. He said customers usually come expecting complete meals, and the reduced menu has led to a major fall in business. Shukla, who employs 15 workers, said his monthly gas bill generally crosses Rs 25,000, but the current supply disruption has reduced business by around 60 %. The same problem is being reported in areas such as Misrod, Obaidullaganj, and Raisen Road. Sunita Bai, who runs a family dhaba on the Bhopal-Jabalpur highway, said even black-market cylinders are difficult to obtain. Their price has reportedly risen to about Rs 4,500, compared with the usual Rs 1,800. The shortage is affecting more than just individual businesses. The truckers' union has appealed to the state govt to restore commercial cylinder supplies quickly, warning that drivers are being left with fewer food choices and rising prices.Experts also raised concerns that use of improvised fuels may affect hygiene and increase health risks.