Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar:
A severe gas shortage has gripped the MIDC Chikalthana industrial area, leaving small business owners struggling. With commercial LPG cylinders unavailable, hotels, tea stalls and breakfast outlets have been forced to return to traditional wood-fired stoves for cooking.
The shortage has led to a surge in demand for firewood, and items such as tea and poha are now being prepared on chulhas. Scenes of smoke-filled cooking setups have once again become common across the industrial area. While some customers are curious to enjoy the taste of food prepared on traditional stoves, rising costs have disrupted the financial balance of small businesses. Both citizens and traders are hoping for an early resolution to the gas crisis.
Health concerns rise due to smoke
Business owners say the unavailability of commercial cylinders has left them with no option but to spend more on firewood sourced at higher prices. The wood-fired stoves purchased during the lockdown have now become useful again amid the shortage. However, continued use of such stoves has raised concerns about potential health issues due to prolonged exposure to smoke.
“Without access to commercial cylinders, we are forced to buy expensive firewood to keep our tea stall running. The wood stove we bought during the lockdown is helping us now, but we have no choice but to use it until the situation improves. There is also fear of health problems due to smoke,” said a local businessman, Baban Yedke.