Himachal Assembly News: Commercial LPG Shortage Forces Wood-Fired Cooking for MLAs and Ministers

The ongoing Budget Session of the Himachal Pradesh Assembly is witnessing an unusual sight as meals for MLAs, ministers, and officials are being prepared on traditional wood-fired ovens. This shift comes due to a severe shortage of commercial LPG cylinders across the state. The Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC) has been using this traditional method for the last four days to ensure food services remain uninterrupted during the legislative proceedings.

Impact on Assembly Catering and Local Businesses

The catering operations for the Assembly, managed by HPTDC from Hotel Holiday Home in Shimla, have had to adapt quickly to the fuel crisis. Senior chefs with over 30 years of experience state they have never seen such a shortage in their entire careers. The impact is not limited to government buildings, as the private hospitality sector is also struggling.

• HPTDC chefs express concern over the potential environmental impact if wood-fired cooking continues long-term.
• Many private dhabas and hotels in Himachal Pradesh are reportedly shutting down due to the scarcity of commercial fuel.
• Hospitals and educational institutions are currently being prioritized for the available commercial LPG stocks from dealers.
• Rural and tribal areas are facing longer waiting periods for refills, which is causing additional hardship during the cold weather.

Government Action and Supply Updates

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri addressed the issue in the Assembly on March 19, 2026, confirming that the state cabinet is actively looking for solutions. While commercial supply is tight, officials have clarified that domestic LPG remains stable for general households. The central government is also working to diversify fuel sources globally to stabilize the situation.