Imagine walking through the vibrant, spice-scented lanes of Jaipur’s Walled City, expecting the comforting aroma of fresh kachoris, only to be met with the heavy scent of burning coal. This isn’t a nostalgic return to the past; it’s a desperate survival strategy. Over the last few weeks, the Pink City has been gripped by a severe LPG supply shortage, leaving kitchens cold and businesses scrambling.
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The Flame Begins to Flicker
The trouble began in early March 2026, when a sudden disruption in the global supply chain, primarily due to geopolitical tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, impacted India’s fuel imports. Since nearly 60% of our LPG is imported, the impact was almost immediate. In Jaipur, what started as a minor delay in cylinder refills quickly turned into a full-fledged shortage, leaving thousands of households and restaurants in the dark.
Skyrocketing Prices Hit the Pocket
Residents are suffering from more than just a lack of supply; they are also experiencing a brutal price increase. In March 2026, the price of a domestic 14.2 kg LPG cylinder in Jaipur increased by ₹60 to ₹916.50. For commercial users, the blow was even harder, with 19 kg cylinders seeing a hike of 144, pushing prices to around 1,913. In the black market, desperate vendors report paying up to ₹2,000 for a single domestic cylinder to keep their stoves burning.
The Great Induction Rush
As the blue flame of a gas cooker becomes a luxury, Jaipur residents flock to appliance stores. Retailers across the city have reported a massive increase in demand for induction cooktops. For many families, electricity is the “Plan B” that is quickly becoming “Plan A.” Some major retailers even reported temporary stockouts as manufacturers struggled to meet the sudden “panic buying” of electric stoves.
Electricity Demand on the Rise
This shift to electric cooking poses a secondary challenge to the state’s power infrastructure. With summer approaching and thousands of new induction plates connecting to the grid, the Rajasthan energy department is bracing for a record-breaking increase in power demand. Officials are now working overtime to secure additional power allocations so that the transition to electric cooking does not result in frequent power outages throughout the city.
A Return to the “Bhatti”
While the middle class focuses on induction, the city’s iconic roadside dhabas and small eateries delve into the past. Traditional coal-fired bhattis (stoves) are making a strong comeback on Station Road and in the Walled City. Induction is not always a viable option for small-scale vendors due to the high initial cost of compatible cookware and the intense heat required for bulk frying.
The Coal Market Heats Up
However, switching to coal has not been the simple solution that many hoped for. As more restaurants switch from gas to coal and wood, the prices of these traditional fuels have started to rise. Local traders in Jaipur have noted that coal prices have risen by ₹5 to ₹6 per kg on average, with some specific types of cooking coal jumping by ₹18 per kg in just one week. The basic law of demand and supply is being enforced harshly on the city’s streets.
Challenges in the Food Industry
Rajasthan’s hotel and restaurant industry has been particularly hard hit. Many restaurants are operating with “half-kitchens,” offering limited menus to conserve their depleted gas supplies. Some have even added a “LPG surcharge” to bills to help offset rising fuel costs. While some believe that switching to electric mode is safer and more modern, the transition is costly and necessitates a complete overhaul of kitchen infrastructure.
Looking for the Light
Despite the chaos, there is evidence of an effort to stabilise the situation. The government has directed refineries to increase LPG output, and new shipments from alternative sources such as Argentina and the United States are expected to relieve the pressure. Until then, the people of Jaipur are caught between a costly gas cylinder, a congested electric grid and the smoky embers of a coal fire.
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