Bhubaneswar: The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has decided to temporarily allow the use of coal and firewood as cooking fuel in the city due to a shortage of commercial LPG. The decision was taken as small and mid-sized hotels, restaurants and tea stalls are facing difficulties in running their businesses.

The shortage of commercial LPG has occurred due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which has disrupted supply and reduced availability. As a result, many small food establishments in the capital are struggling to get adequate LPG cylinders.

Earlier, the civic body had imposed a strict ban on the use of coal in Bhubaneswar to control air pollution. Burning coal produces smoke and increases air pollution levels. The BMC had also imposed fines on establishments found using coal as fuel.

However, due to the current gas shortage, shop owners and food vendors have requested permission to use alternative fuels such as coal and firewood. Considering the situation, the BMC has decided to relax the restriction for a limited period.

The Mayor said that hotels, restaurants and tea stalls will be allowed to use coal and firewood as fuel until the supply of commercial LPG returns to normal. Once the gas shortage is resolved, the earlier ban aimed at controlling pollution will be enforced again.