Mail News Service
Jamshedpur: The city’s popular street food hubs—Bistupur, Sakchi, Kadma, and Agrico—have been witnessing a noticeable decline in customer turnout as a severe shortage of commercial gas has disrupted operations. Previously, these localities saw crowds flocking to food stalls as soon as evening fell. Now, vendors have reported dwindling sales and reduced footfall, attributing the slump primarily to irregular gas supply.
Many food stall operators have been forced to purchase cylinders from the black market at higher prices, significantly increasing operational costs. To cope, vendors have raised food prices that have led to further decline in customers, with some leaving without making purchases. At Agrico, essential food items were now being cooked on coal stoves, while gas was being used only sparingly for street carts. Several pushcart operators have even begun preparing food at home on coal stoves to manage costs.
The situation is particularly critical near Station Chowk and Tatanagar Station Square, where most footpath hotels and street stalls have remained closed due to the gas shortage. Passengers at train stations and bus stands are facing difficulties in accessing snacks and meals. Some stall owners invested around Rs 5,000 to set up coal-fired stoves to continue operations, though gas was now reserved only for essential tasks.
While fast-food stalls face serious setbacks, certain specialties like grilled chicken and litti-chokha prepared on coal fires continue to attract customers. In some areas, such as Bistupur’s Khau Gali and Kadma’s Ganesh Puja Ground, stalls remain open but prices have increased by Rs10–20, affecting customer turnout.
Shops near Jubilee Park in Sakchi are also on the verge of shutting down due to erratic gas supply. Tea vendors, in particular, are struggling as daily operations require consistent gas availability, forcing some to consider raising prices.
District Supply Officer Zulfiqar Ansari stated that commercial gas supply has been limited to 20% of normal capacity, prioritizing hospitals, hostels, and other essential institutions. Gas for hotels, restaurants, and food stalls will be restored only after these critical needs are met. Meanwhile, gas companies are focused on ensuring that domestic gas supply is not disrupted.
The gas shortage has thus not only increased operational challenges for vendors but has also impacted customer experience, leaving many stalls struggling to stay afloat. (w/gsd)
