Bhubaneswar Allows Hotels and Restaurants to Use Coal and Firewood Amid Commercial LPG Shortage

Authorities in Bhubaneswar have allowed hotels and restaurants to temporarily use coal and firewood for cooking due to a shortage of commercial LPG supplies. The decision aims to provide relief to the city’s hospitality and food service businesses that have been facing operational challenges because of irregular LPG availability.

The shortage of commercial LPG has affected several restaurants, catering businesses, and hotel kitchens in the region. With cooking gas supply disrupted, many establishments were struggling to continue normal kitchen operations. The temporary permission to use alternative fuels is expected to help businesses maintain food service operations until LPG supply stabilizes.

Industry stakeholders have welcomed the decision, noting that it will allow restaurants and hotels to continue serving customers without major disruptions.

Relief for Hotels and Restaurants in Bhubaneswar

The hospitality and restaurant industry in Bhubaneswar relies heavily on commercial LPG cylinders for daily cooking operations. From hotel kitchens to standalone restaurants and catering services, LPG is the primary cooking fuel used across most establishments.

However, recent supply disruptions created operational difficulties for many businesses. Several restaurant owners reported delays in receiving LPG cylinders, forcing them to reduce menu offerings or limit service hours.

To address the situation, local authorities permitted the temporary use of coal and firewood as alternative cooking fuel sources.

The move is intended as a short‑term solution while supply chain issues affecting commercial LPG are resolved.

Impact of LPG Shortage on Hospitality Operations

The shortage of commercial LPG has had a significant impact on hospitality operations in several cities across India. Hotels, restaurants, and catering businesses depend on uninterrupted cooking fuel supply to operate efficiently.

When LPG supply becomes irregular, kitchen operations can slow down or even halt temporarily. This directly affects food preparation, service quality, and daily business revenue.

Restaurant associations and hospitality industry representatives have raised concerns about the economic impact of such disruptions.

For small restaurants and local food businesses, even short‑term supply issues can lead to operational losses.

Temporary Use of Alternative Cooking Fuels

The approval to use coal and firewood provides hospitality establishments with an alternative method to continue food preparation. While many modern kitchens rely on gas‑based cooking equipment, traditional fuel sources can still support certain cooking processes.

However, the use of coal and firewood is generally considered a temporary solution due to environmental considerations and operational limitations.

Most hotels and restaurants prefer LPG because it offers cleaner combustion, easier temperature control, and compatibility with modern kitchen equipment.

Authorities have indicated that the temporary permission will remain in effect until normal LPG supply resumes.

Hospitality Industry Concerns Over Fuel Supply

The hospitality industry has emphasized the importance of reliable fuel supply for food service operations. Restaurants and hotel kitchens operate for extended hours and require consistent cooking fuel availability.

Industry associations have urged authorities and suppliers to address distribution challenges to avoid prolonged disruptions.

Ensuring stable LPG supply is particularly important for high‑demand sectors such as restaurants, hotels, and catering services.

These businesses serve large numbers of customers daily and cannot easily pause operations due to supply shortages.

Growing Demand in the Food Service Sector

Bhubaneswar’s hospitality and restaurant sector has expanded significantly in recent years as the city continues to grow as an economic and tourism hub in Odisha.

The increase in hotels, cafes, restaurants, and quick‑service outlets has led to higher demand for commercial LPG cylinders.

With the growth of the food service sector, maintaining a reliable supply chain for cooking fuel has become increasingly important.

Hospitality businesses rely on consistent energy resources to maintain service standards and operational efficiency.

Hospitality Sector Seeking Long‑Term Solutions

While the temporary permission to use coal and firewood offers immediate relief, industry stakeholders are calling for long‑term solutions to ensure stable LPG supply.

Hospitality operators have suggested improving distribution systems, increasing supply capacity, and streamlining delivery logistics for commercial LPG cylinders.

Such measures could help prevent similar shortages in the future and support the continued growth of the hospitality sector.

Hotels and restaurants play an important role in the local economy by generating employment and supporting tourism activities.

Outlook for Bhubaneswar’s Hospitality Industry

Bhubaneswar remains one of the key urban centers in eastern India with a growing hospitality and tourism sector. The city hosts business travelers, government events, conferences, and cultural tourism activities.

As the hospitality industry continues to expand, operational infrastructure such as fuel supply, logistics, and food service support systems will become increasingly important.

Authorities and industry stakeholders are expected to continue working together to address operational challenges affecting hotels and restaurants.

The temporary approval to use alternative cooking fuels reflects efforts to support hospitality businesses during the ongoing LPG supply disruption.