Agra’s Beloved ‘Petha’ Industry Faces Crisis: LPG Shortage Hits Hard After Dal Makhni and Mutton Woes!
In Agra, the sweet essence of life is at risk as the ongoing LPG shortage prompts the closure of numerous petha manufacturing units, impacting this iconic Indian confection’s production. With a significant reliance on commercial LPG, many of Agra’s petha makers are grappling with dwindling cylinder supplies, leading to complete shutdowns for some and severely limited operations for others. The situation has raised alarms among industry leaders, with Rajesh Agarwal, president of the Shaheed Bhagat Singh Petha Kutir Association, stressing the dire consequences of the gas crisis.
“The production of petha has been badly affected,” Agarwal told PTI. “Some units have shut down completely, while others are managing with limited cylinders. If supply doesn’t improve soon, remaining units may also close.” Agra’s unique geographical positioning complicates matters further. The city lies within the Taj Trapezium Zone (TTZ), a protected area surrounding the Taj Mahal where the use of alternative fuels like wood and coal is prohibited. This means that LPG is not just a convenient option for petha makers, but their only legal fuel source.
The situation is pressing, with approximately 70 large-scale production units located in the Noori Darwaza area alone, generating petha worth ₹20 lakh daily. Additionally, more than 500 smaller units contribute to the livelihoods of many families involved in this traditional industry, which has an enduring legacy that predates Agra’s modern tourism economy built around the Taj Mahal.
In response to the unfolding crisis, Agarwal and his fellow traders have petitioned the district administration to accelerate the restoration of gas supply. Despite appeals to address the situation, District Magistrate Arvind Mallappa Bangari countered claims of a shortage, suggesting that misinformation was being spread to stir panic. He warned of consequences for those propagating false narratives.
The ramifications of the LPG shortage extend beyond Agra. In Varanasi, the Annapurna temple’s distribution of prasad has also been disrupted due to a perceived lack of gas supply. Mahant Shankar Giri Maharaj reported a significant decline in prasad prepared for devotees, highlighting that the temple could only accommodate about 3,000 people on a recent day, down from a usual 20,000 to 25,000.
Although Uttar Pradesh authorities maintain that there is no shortage of LPG, the dire situation in Agra underscores the precarious balance many traditional industries face amid regulatory constraints and supply chain disruptions. As negotiations for gas restoration continue, the city’s petha makers and the broader community hope for a swift resolution to carry on a culinary legacy steeped in culture and tradition.
With the future of Agra’s treasured sweet hanging in the balance, both industry leaders and local authorities face growing pressure to find a sustainable solution that will preserve this vital part of the region’s heritage.
Original Source: https://www.livemint.com/news/india/after-dal-makhni-and-mutton-lpg-shortage-now-chokes-agra-s-iconic-petha-industry-11773552304591.html
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Publish Date: 2026-03-15 11:21:00
