Odisha Coal Ban Amid LPG Crisis Hits Food Businesses Hard

The Odisha government’s decision to ban the use of coal and briquettes in urban areas as part of its heatwave management strategy has intensified challenges for food businesses already struggling with a shortage of commercial LPG cylinders. Issued through a standard operating procedure (SOP) by the Housing and Urban Development (H&UD) Department, the directive instructs urban local bodies to strictly prohibit coal use, citing concerns over fly ash accumulation, rising dust pollution, and increased urban heat. The move comes at a time when LPG supply chains remain disrupted due to geopolitical tensions affecting tanker movement through the Strait of Hormuz.

The restriction has dealt a significant blow to roadside eateries, small hotels, and catering services that had turned to coal and firewood as temporary alternatives amid erratic LPG supply. According to the All Odisha Roadside Vendors’ Association, nearly 30,000 street food vendors have been directly impacted, with many forced to shut down or scale back operations. Vendors have raised concerns over black marketing, alleging that commercial LPG cylinders are being sold at inflated prices ranging between ₹3,000 and ₹5,000, further straining their ability to sustain business.

The crisis is now rippling across the broader food ecosystem, affecting restaurants, caterers, and banquet services reliant on bulk cooking. Industry voices warn that while reducing coal usage is crucial for environmental and public health, the absence of reliable fuel alternatives during an ongoing LPG shortage could have serious economic consequences. With livelihoods at risk and affordable food access disrupted, stakeholders have urged the government to ensure subsidised LPG supply, expand distribution networks, and stabilise fuel availability to support the state’s informal food economy.

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