A severe shortage of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) has hit the hills of Darjeeling and Kalimpong, threatening to paralyze the region’s vibrant tourism sector. As the peak spring season draws near, hotel and home-stay owners are struggling to keep their kitchens running due to a sudden dip in cylinder supplies. With inventories running dry, many establishments are now warning that they may be forced to cancel confirmed tourist bookings and shut down operations temporarily.

The crisis, which began a few days ago, is attributed to logistical bottlenecks in the supply chain from the plains. Local distributors have expressed their inability to meet the surging demand from both residents and the hospitality industry. “We are operating on the last few cylinders. Without a fresh supply, providing meals to guests will be impossible. We are on the verge of asking tourists to find alternative accommodations or cancelling their trips altogether,” shared a prominent hotelier from Darjeeling Mall Road.

The situation has sparked panic among travelers who have planned their mountain getaways for mid-March. Industry experts warn that an extended fuel crisis could lead to massive financial losses and tarnish the reputation of the hills as a premier travel destination. While the district administration has assured that they are working with oil marketing companies to expedite the delivery of gas trucks, the ground reality remains grim. For now, the “Queen of the Hills” remains gripped by the uncertainty of when the next lot of blue flames will return to its kitchens.