What Now? LPG Crisis Extends to Temples!

The energy crisis ignited by the Iran-US war has deepened, disrupting the supply chain across West Asia. In India, the LPG supply was hit badly as it sources nearly 91% of its LPG from the Gulf region, bringing to focus its dependence on LPG import from the Gulf region.

Following closure of the Strait of Hormuz through which cooking gas is imported to India, the domestic LPG price was hiked by Rs 60 per 14.2 kg cylinder and Rs 115 for a commercial 19 kg cylinder.

After hitting the kitchens in households, the Iran war effect has extended to temples which offer Annadanam to the pilgrims. The Baala Ram Temple in Ayodhya issued notice that the Ram Rasoi (kitchen in the temple) would remain closed temporarily due to the gas crisis.

Thousands of pilgrims visit the temple run by the Amawa management every day and free Anna Prasadam is provided to nearly 20,000 devotees on a daily basis. However, due to the disruption of fuel transport following the Iran war, the temple issued a notice that the temple kitchen would be temporarily closed.

Many college and school hostels, paying guest kitchens switched to rice-based  menus to save cooking gas and continue supplying meals to the students. Dishes consuming gas heavily like dosas and rotis are being replaced with baking snacks and other items. LPG stoves are being replaced with inductions and ovens.