Cooking gas shortage hits student messes

The impact of the conflict in West Asia has disrupted the LPG supply chain, creating a shortage of commercial gas cylinders and forcing several mess services, eateries and small hotels catering to students in Pune to either shut temporarily down increase food prices.

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Pune, which hosts lakhs of students from across the country preparing for competitive examinations and pursuing higher education, is witnessing growing concern among the student community. Several mess operators have informed students about a rise in meal charges after being forced to purchase gas cylinders at inflated rates from the market.

Due to rising costs, some students say they are now sharing a single meal between two people to manage expenses, raising fears of a possible food crisis if the situation continues.

Speaking to The Free Press Journal (FPJ), student leader Nitin Andhale said the situation is becoming serious for students living away from home. "Because of the disruption in gas supply, many eateries and mess services are on the verge of shutting down. Hotels and mess operators who are buying gas cylinders at high prices have increased the cost of meals.

This is creating a situation where students may face hunger," he said.

Andhale urged the government to start public 'PoliBhaji food centres for needy students and reserve a separate gas quota for educational institutions and mess services. He warned that if the situation continues, students may be forced to protest on the streets.