The ongoing conflict in the Middle East has reached Ahmedabad, causing significant disruptions at the LD College of Engineering’s hostel mess. With LPG cylinder shortages and skyrocketing prices, managing meal services for students has become a daunting challenge.
Naresh Joshi, who runs the mess, explained that obtaining gas cylinders is almost impossible now. “We used to need two cylinders a day without any hassle. But now, suppliers aren’t even picking up their phones,” he said. Just three days ago, they managed to get two cylinders from one supplier; since then, supply has nearly dried up.
To adapt to this crisis, the mess management has turned to traditional wood stoves for cooking meals. This change comes as around 150 students dine in the morning and an additional 150 to 200 in the evening. To avoid delays in meal service, preparations have started much earlier than before—now at 5 a.m., instead of the previous start time of 7 a.m.
Joshi mentioned that they’d be willing to pay between ₹2,500 and ₹3,000 per cylinder—up from around ₹1,700–₹1,800—but still can’t find supplies. He cautioned that if this situation continues long-term, it could lead to serious difficulties for both staff and students.
Rangani Bharasar, an electrical engineering student living on campus, voiced concerns over the potential closure of the mess due to this gas shortage. He noted that meals here cost just ₹60—a price far lower than what they would pay outside—and emphasized how crucial it is for maintaining their health and saving time: “If we have to go two or three kilometres for food outside—well that’s a big waste when we could be studying instead.”