Pune University LPG Crisis: Hostel Messes Turn to Firewood for Cooking

Pune, 25th March 2026: A shortage of LPG cylinders has disrupted cooking operations at mess facilities on the Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) campus, forcing at least two hostels to temporarily rely on firewood to prepare meals for students.

The mess at the girls’ hostel reportedly ran out of LPG cylinders on Monday night, while one of the boys’ hostel messes also faced a similar problem on Wednesday after failing to secure a replacement cylinder.

Shivaji Uttekar, secretary of the canteen quality control committee, said the district administration had earlier directed that educational institutions should receive priority supply of LPG cylinders. However, according to him, distributors have not been releasing cylinders to the mess operators despite the order.

He said the committee plans to approach the district Food Distribution Office and request officials to instruct LPG distributors to supply cylinders to campus vendors without delay. Until the issue is resolved, the mess staff have no option but to use firewood to continue cooking and ensure that students are served meals.

University officials said they were informally advised by some representatives from the district collector’s office to avoid using firewood for cooking. According to an official, the administration appeared to be attempting to project that there was no shortage of LPG cylinders.

Students have expressed concern over the situation, especially as examinations are currently underway.

A student said the shortage had affected meal services at the hostels. “Students are not getting proper meals because of the LPG shortage. Such issues should not arise during the exam period,” he said.