Ludhiana: Local food stalls, many of which rely entirely on gas for daily operations, are severely affected by the situation. Owners of small snack outlets and food carts across the district said they are unable to get new cylinders despite repeated attempts to book them, leaving businesses struggling to meet daily demand.These stalls typically prepare quick-serve items such as steamed and fried momos, fried chicken, chana kulchas, samosas and tea, all of which require the use of LPG through the day. However, with supply disruptions continuing, several stall owners said their bookings were not being accepted or deliveries were being delayed, forcing them to scale down operations.Food stalls in key areas like Ghumar Mandi, Rani Jhansi Road, College Road, Dandi Swami Road and Civil Lines said they were being compelled to cut down on the quantity of food they cook due to limited resources. Many said the situation was directly affecting their ability to earn a daily income.Krishna, who manages a food cart on Rani Jhansi Road, said he has only one cylinder left and is trying to manage with it for the week. He has already stopped selling fried momos and removed two to three more items from the menu in view of the crisis. A tea stall owner on College Road said he earns around Rs 400 a day selling tea and biscuits, but cannot afford to stand in long queues for an LPG booking. He said a family member attempted to get the booking done, but the request was refused.Stall owners have urged authorities to reduce the long delays in the supply of LPG cylinders, stressing that it is their only means of sustaining their daily livelihood.
