Pune Grapples with Fuel Crisis as LPG Shortage Sparks Surge in Coal and Firewood Demand
In Pune, a severe shortage of domestic LPG cylinders has triggered a dramatic shift towards alternative cooking fuels, leading to sharp price increases and widespread black marketing. Restaurant owners and homemakers are scrambling for options, with many resorting to coal and firewood, causing market disruptions and supply chain issues.
Skyrocketing Demand and Price Hikes
City-based coal supplier Prem Pawar reported that demand for coal has surged by nearly 80% as residents struggle to secure LPG cylinders. "Even people in housing societies are turning to unconventional methods, buying 5-10 kg of coal at a time because they can't get LPG," Pawar explained. He added that prices have risen from Rs32 per kg to Rs45 per kg due to artificial shortages created by hoarding.
Chaya Bhavar, a resident of Narhe, shared her experience: "With a family of eight, we couldn't get a cylinder, so we bought a coal stove from Satara. Now we cook on the balcony using coal and firewood, inspired by practices in our village." This trend highlights how the crisis is forcing urban dwellers to adopt rural solutions.
Black Marketing and Supply Chain Disruptions
Suppliers in Pune confirm that black marketing of coal is rampant, with dealers hoarding stock to sell at inflated prices. Aditya Pawar, another coal supplier, stated, "Some players are creating an artificial shortage to profit, even though coal supplies are stable. This unethical practice is driving up costs for consumers."
The restaurant industry is particularly hard-hit. Saili Jahagirdar, chapter head of the National Restaurant Association of India in Pune, noted that establishments are relying on temporary arrangements like bulk coal purchases, which are unsustainable. "People are buying 200kg to 500kg at a time, leading to black marketing and making firewood scarce as well," she said.
Impact on Businesses and Manufacturers
Farsan and snack manufacturers are also feeling the pinch. Arvind Budhani, owner of Budhani Wafers, revealed that many producers are switching to coal or diesel to maintain production. "Our dual-fired system allows us to use diesel, but others are forced to buy coal, disrupting operations and increasing expenses," he explained.
This crisis underscores broader issues in fuel availability and distribution in Pune, affecting both households and commercial entities. As demand for alternative fuels grows, stakeholders call for regulatory intervention to curb black marketing and stabilize supplies.
