Ahmedabad Food Vendors Adapt to LPG Shortage with Alternative Energy Sources
In the bustling streets of Ahmedabad, small eateries and restaurants are grappling with a severe shortage of LPG cylinders, forcing many to pivot to alternative cooking methods. At a vada pav shop in Navrangpura, owner Bhimraj has already made the switch to electric induction plates, citing the exorbitant costs of commercial LPG cylinders, which have skyrocketed to as high as Rs 5,000. "We switched to electric stoves due to the ongoing issue with LPG availability. They are more practical now," he explains, though his staff notes a drawback: the induction plates maintain constant temperatures and offer limited regulation.
Induction Stoves: A Costly but Necessary Investment
The shift to induction technology is not without its challenges. Chirag Pattani, who runs a food stall in Kalupur, recently inquired about induction stoves and found them priced around Rs 15,000 for the quality and capacity he needs. "It's a costly investment, but if we want to keep the business running, I may have to purchase it. We're on our last cylinder and also looking for new supplies," he says. Similarly, Vishal Patel in Manek Chowk relies on an existing induction stove for dishes like dosas and pav bhaji, supplementing his menu with packaged foods and beverages to sustain operations.
Coal Emerges as a Viable Alternative Amid Supply Crunch
In Thaltej, a local dhaba has turned to coal as a substitute for LPG. Owner Gurpreet Singh describes the change as unavoidable, with coal costing approximately Rs 35 per kilogram. "We moved to coal because of the LPG shortage, but it's not as efficient as gas. We've had to remove some deep-fried items from our menu," he admits. This trend is echoed by coal suppliers, such as Narendra Patel of Bhagwati Coal Depot, who reports a 20% surge in demand since the energy crisis began. "Many hotels are now choosing coal as an alternative to LPG," he emphasizes, highlighting a broader shift in energy sources across the city.
Industry Associations Warn of Bleak Future if Supply Issues Persist
While city-based associations acknowledge that the LPG crunch has not yet reached a critical level, they warn of a dire outlook if supplies do not resume soon. The skyrocketing demand for induction stoves has made them both expensive and scarce, compounding the challenges for small businesses. As eateries navigate this crisis, the reliance on alternatives like coal and induction stoves underscores the urgent need for stable energy solutions to keep the local food industry afloat.
