Gangtok (Sikkim) [India], April 2 (ANI): As the situation in West Asia continues to escalate, Sikkim is currently facing a serious shortage of both domestic and commercial LPG cylinders, causing major inconvenience to the public as well as business establishments. In many places, people have reportedly been standing in long queues from as early as 3 AM, but many are still returning home without getting a cylinder.The shortage has become a major concern, especially for hotels and restaurants during the peak tourist season in April. Rajesh Gupta, a hotel owner from Gangtok, said that his hotel normally requires two commercial LPG cylinders per day, which comes to around 14 cylinders in a week. However, he said that at present, he is receiving only one commercial cylinder per week.Due to the severe shortage, he stated that his hotel has been forced to reduce food preparation and may only be able to provide dry or limited food items to customers. He also claimed that several restaurants in Gangtok have already shut down because of the LPG crisis.The shortage is not only affecting locals and businesses but is also creating difficulties for tourists visiting the state. As April is one of the busiest tourist months in Sikkim, many hotels and eateries are reportedly unable to provide proper food services to visitors.According to local sources, the LPG crisis is affecting not only Gangtok but also other parts of Sikkim, with both domestic and commercial users facing serious supply problems.

Meanwhile, Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang chaired a high-level review meeting at Samman Bhawan on Monday to assess the stock position and distribution of essential commodities across Sikkim, with a focus on ensuring their seamless and uninterrupted availability throughout the state.

Emphasising the need for heightened vigilance, the Chief Minister issued firm directions to strengthen monitoring mechanisms and strictly curb hoarding, black marketing, and overpricing. District administrations and law enforcement agencies have been tasked with maintaining constant oversight. (ANI)