THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Daltonganj, April 8: Rising prices and shortage of commercial LPG cylinders have forced hostel authorities at Medinirai Medical College and Hospital (MMCH), Daltonganj, to cut basic food items like eggs and bananas from the mess menu to manage costs.
The decision has impacted breakfast in the boys’ hostel, where these items have been dropped to offset the increasing expense of cooking fuel.
LPG Crisis Hits Hostel Meals
Boys’ hostel in-charge Sanjay Kumar said the move was necessary as LPG cylinders are being procured at prices ₹400–₹500 higher than usual.
“Eggs and bananas have been dropped to save money. We are trying to manage the extra cost of LPG cylinders through these savings,” Kumar said, adding that the cuts are helping them cope with black-market rates of cooking gas.
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Authorities Assure Minimal Disruption
MMCH Principal Dr. Jakka Srinivas Rao said mess authorities of both boys’ and girls’ hostels have been instructed to ensure that food services are not disrupted.
He ruled out alternatives like cooking on earthen stoves using firewood, citing ongoing construction near the campus and concerns over dust and hygiene.
Around 500 students depend on hostel meals daily, with higher LPG consumption on days when non-vegetarian food is served, typically four times a week.
Students Resist Paying More
Sources said hostel authorities proposed a temporary increase of a few hundred rupees in mess charges to deal with the crisis. However, students reportedly refused to bear the additional cost, even for a short period.
Officials noted that while students spend freely outside, many are reluctant to contribute even ₹50–₹100 extra per month toward mess expenses during the crisis.
High Consumption, Limited Supply
A single 19-kg commercial LPG cylinder is consumed daily in a hostel mess serving over 200 students. Against a monthly requirement of around 30 cylinders, both hostels are struggling to secure an adequate supply at reasonable prices.
The ongoing LPG shortage and price surge continue to put pressure on essential services like student meals, forcing authorities to make difficult adjustments.