Srinagar, Oct 30: The prevailing LPG mess has set off a new wave of crisis in Kashmir with people facing acute shortage of ‘lighting gas refill’. With electricity shortage aggravating the crisis, people have been forced to use candles for lighting purposes.
 Consumers here complained that they were not getting the lighting gas refill. “The shortage of kerosene oil and electricity has left us high and dry. And, now when we are not able to get the refill for lighting gas, we have been forced to use candles,” said a group of consumers. 
 “I went to almost all the places in Srinagar to refill the handy gas cylinders but to no avail. With pesky power cuts, there is no alternative to light our houses during evening time,” said Imran Bhat of Old City.
 Interestingly, the LPG crisis has increased the demand for candles. “While few days back candles seemed to be a thing of the past, with Valley reeling under the LPG crisis and power mismanagement, the candles have again come into limelight,” said a consumer.
 “Candles are selling like hot cakes in the markets,” said a trader.
 The sale of candles has picked up inasmuch as the dealers are finding it hard to manage the bulk orders.
 According to candle dealers, their sales have increased by 25 to 30 per cent and demand is much higher in far flung areas.
 Ajaz Lolpuri, proprietor of Lolpuri traders, said: “Demand for candles is very high these days especially in rural areas where there are only few options of lighting available other than electricity. People in far flung areas cannot afford to buy generators or invertors,” Ajaz said, adding that now the candle manufacturers are overwhelmed with the orders and they are engaging more persons to tackle the rising demand of candles in the market.

Lastupdate on : Tue, 30 Oct 2012 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Tue, 30 Oct 2012 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Wed, 31 Oct 2012 00:00:00 IST