Patna: Hostel operators and hotel owners across Patna say their kitchen operations are under strain due to difficulties in procuring LPG cylinders, raising concerns about food services for thousands of students in the city. The district administration, however, has denied any shortage and urged residents not to panic.
Operators of hostels in areas such as Gandhi Nagar and Boring Road report that obtaining commercial gas cylinders has become increasingly difficult in recent days. Many say their kitchens rely on a steady supply of LPG to provide three meals a day to students, making any disruption particularly challenging.
Estimates from hostel operators suggest that nearly 3,000 hostels in the city could be affected by the supply issues, potentially impacting around 250,000 students who depend on hostel mess facilities.
Several operators said they are currently managing by using cylinders kept in reserve but remain uncertain about future supplies. Some also claim that commercial cylinders are being sold in the market at inflated prices, reportedly between Rs 2,200 and Rs 2,300.
There have also been allegations of black-market sales of gas cylinders in certain areas. Hostel owners say they typically require between 20 and 22 cylinders per month, but recent orders have yielded only limited deliveries, putting pressure on their daily operations.
Amid fears of prolonged disruption, some hostels are preparing alternative cooking arrangements. Induction cooktops, electricity-based appliances, and traditional coal or wood stoves are being considered as backup options to ensure that students continue receiving meals.
Hotels in the city are also taking precautions. Some establishments have reportedly stopped accepting large catering orders and are attempting to conserve their existing gas supply. Staff at one hotel said they had only one to two days’ worth of LPG remaining, prompting stricter monitoring of kitchen use.
Industry observers have linked the uncertainty partly to global energy concerns, noting that geopolitical tensions in the Middle East can affect supply routes through the Strait of Hormuz, a key passage for oil and gas shipments. However, the extent to which such developments may influence local supply remains unclear.
Patna district magistrate Dr Thiyagarajan S.M. dismissed reports of a shortage, stating that gas companies in the district have adequate LPG stocks and that booking and delivery processes are continuing normally.
He urged the public not to panic or engage in panic booking of cylinders and said the administration has ordered inspections to curb hoarding and black marketing. Officials have also been directed to monitor gas agencies closely.
