A sharp shortage of commercial gas cylinders has pushed the hotel industry in Jejuri, the sacred town of Lord Khandoba in Maharashtra, into a serious crisis. At a time when the number of devotees is rising due to fairs, religious gatherings, wedding season, and school holidays, hotel operators are struggling to sustain their businesses. The Jejuri and surrounding areas’ Hotel Association has warned that nearly 130 hotels could face closure if the situation continues. The ongoing conflict in Gulf countries has disrupted the supply of gas, petrol, and diesel, severely affecting the availability of commercial cylinders and putting immense pressure on local hospitality businesses.
Highlighting the gravity of the situation, the Jejuri and Panchkroshi Hotel Association recently addressed a press conference to voice their concerns. Jejuri, being a major pilgrimage destination, witnesses a steady influx of devotees throughout the year due to religious rituals, family traditions, and celebrations. Despite the current surge in visitors, hotel owners are finding it increasingly difficult to operate due to the lack of gas supply. Association president Vijay Zhagade stated that although the government had announced a 20 percent allocation of commercial gas cylinders, not a single cylinder has been supplied in the last 15 days, pushing hotels, dhabas, and food stalls toward shutdown.
In an attempt to cope with the crisis, some hotel owners have turned to traditional cooking methods using firewood and coal. However, this alternative has proven inadequate, as only 10 to 12 items can be prepared out of nearly 150 dishes typically offered. Despite mounting losses, hotel operators are reluctant to shut down completely, fearing that their workforce may leave and may not return easily once the situation improves. The shortage has also begun affecting devotees, who are unable to find proper meals and refreshments, raising concerns about a possible negative impact on tourism and the local economy.
The association has decided to approach Food and Civil Supplies Minister Chhagan Bhujbal with a delegation, urging immediate intervention to restore commercial gas supply, especially during the peak pilgrimage period. Several hotel owners, including Appa Bayas, Pankaj Rahatekar, Ganesh Gadhave, and Akshay Darekar, shared their difficulties during the press meet. Meanwhile, Sagar Shinde, director of Shaheed Shankar Shinde Gas Agency in Jejuri, confirmed that no commercial gas has been available since March 7. He clarified that, as per government directives, priority is currently being given to domestic consumers, hospitals, and educational institutions.
When contacted, Taluka Supply Officer Gopal Thakare acknowledged the shortage, attributing it to the ongoing Gulf conflict. He reiterated that essential services such as hospitals and educational institutions are being prioritized in line with government orders. He also assured that the concerns raised by the hotel association would be conveyed to higher authorities. Adding to the concerns, some hotel operators have alleged the possibility of black marketing of commercial gas cylinders in the region. The press conference saw participation from over 100 hotel owners, including Vijay Zhagade, Appa Bayas, Pankaj Rahatekar, Akshay Darekar, Ganesh Gadhave, Abhijit Kudale, Dhananjay Godse, Mallu Koli, Yogesh Bhapkar, Avinash Harpale, and Shabbir Tamboli.