LPG Supply Worries Reach Ayodhya: Ram Rasoi Kitchen Plans Alternatives To Serve Devotees

Concerns about possible LPG supply disruptions linked to global tensions have started affecting kitchens across several parts of India.

In Ayodhya, the community kitchen known as Ram Rasoi at the Amawa Temple has begun preparing contingency plans to ensure that devotees continue receiving free meals.

The kitchen serves thousands of pilgrims visiting the nearby Ram Mandir every day. With concerns about LPG supply disruptions linked to tensions in West Asia, temple authorities are exploring alternative cooking arrangements to keep operations running smoothly.

Ram Rasoi Serves Thousands Of Devotees Daily

Ram Rasoi is one of the important community kitchens in Ayodhya. It provides free meals to thousands of pilgrims and visitors every day, making it an essential service for devotees visiting the Ram Temple.

According to temple officials, the kitchen typically serves meals to around 10,000 to 20,000 devotees daily through its bhandara (community meal service). This large-scale operation depends heavily on LPG cylinders for cooking.

Because of the uncertainty surrounding LPG supply, the management has started taking precautionary steps to avoid disruptions.

Backup Cooking Methods Being Considered

Amawa Temple manager Pankaj Kumar said the kitchen has already identified alternative cooking methods in case LPG availability becomes more limited.

Some of the options being considered include:

• Using electric rice cookers and electric cooking appliances
• Switching to traditional fuels such as coal and firewood
• Adjusting cooking schedules to reduce fuel consumption

These arrangements are intended to ensure that food preparation can continue even if LPG supplies become difficult to obtain.

Meal Timings Temporarily Reduced

As part of the adjustments, the kitchen has also shortened the duration of the daily meal service.

Earlier, the Ram Rasoi bhandara served meals from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Due to concerns about fuel availability, the service is currently limited to 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM.

This temporary change is meant to conserve fuel while still ensuring that devotees receive free meals.

Restaurants And Prasad Shops Also Affected

The LPG supply concerns are not limited to temple kitchens alone. Reports suggest that several prasad shops, restaurants, and small eateries in Ayodhya are also facing difficulties in obtaining commercial LPG cylinders.

Many food businesses in temple towns rely heavily on commercial LPG for daily cooking. Any disruption in supply can affect their operations and increase costs.

Despite these challenges, local establishments are trying to continue serving visitors who travel to Ayodhya for religious purposes.

Government Steps To Stabilise LPG Supply

The Indian government has taken several steps to manage the LPG supply situation and prevent shortages.

Authorities have invoked provisions under the Essential Commodities Act and the Essential Services Maintenance Act to ensure that domestic LPG supplies are prioritised for households over commercial consumers.

Other measures include:

• Directing refineries to operate at full production capacity
• Increasing the LPG cylinder booking interval from 21 days to 25 days to prevent hoarding
• Prioritising natural gas supplies for piped natural gas households and CNG vehicles

Officials have also been working to secure alternative supply routes and additional gas shipments to stabilise availability.

Temple Authorities Assure Devotees

Despite the current challenges, authorities managing Ram Rasoi have reassured devotees that free meals will continue without interruption.

Preparations are underway to ensure that pilgrims visiting the Ram Temple in Ayodhya do not face difficulties accessing food. Temple officials say the tradition of service and hospitality for devotees will remain a priority, even during supply uncertainties.