Vijayawada: The LPG shortage triggered by the conflict involving Iran began affecting thousands of students and working professionals staying in PG hostels across the city. Many residents said the crisis disrupted their daily meals and increased their living expenses.
Nearly 9,000 people staying in men's and women's PG hostels around the Vijaya Talkies locality depend on hostel kitchens for their meals. Most of them are aspirants preparing for competitive examinations or young professionals.
With the shortage of LPG cylinders, hostel operators said it became extremely difficult to prepare food in the usual manner. Residents complained that the quality and variety of food served in many hostels dropped significantly. Many said the same breakfast items were served repeatedly, while food prepared in the morning was sometimes reheated and served again for dinner.
Madasu Jeevan, a bank job aspirant staying in a PG hostel, said the situation became frustrating. "We are preparing for competitive exams and need proper food to stay healthy. But nowadays the menu is very limited. Often we get the same breakfast every day," he said.
Another aspirant, V Karun Sagar, echoed similar concerns. "Sometimes the food cooked in the morning is served again at night. We understand there is a gas shortage, but it is difficult for us," he said.
Meanwhile, several PG hostels reportedly increased their mess charges by nearly 30 percent, citing the rising cost of cooking arrangements during the ongoing crisis.
PG hostel owner K Deva Rani said the operators themselves were struggling to manage the situation. "Gas cylinders are not easily available, and in some of the cases we must arrange alternative cooking methods. Costs increased sharply, and we request students to cooperate until normal supplies are restored," she explained.
Many PG hostel managements now rely on caterers and hotels to supply food for the inmates, as building owners objected to them setting up firewood stoves.
Venu Lanka is a special correspondent, at The Times of India-Vija...
Read MoreVenu Lanka is a special correspondent, at The Times of India-Vijayawada. He covers developments related to VMC/APCRDA, Janasena, education, health, endowments, and agriculture-related stories. He holds two graduate degrees, one in business management and another in law. He completed his post-graduation in journalism and mass communication, apart from completing short-term courses.
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