​​​​​​​Puri, March 13: The shortage of commercial LPG supply affected tourist activity and business operations in Puri on Thursday, leading to a noticeable decline in the number of visitors in the city.

Usually, the beach road remains crowded during the afternoon and evening hours, making it difficult for vehicles to pass. However, only a few vehicles were seen on the road on Thursday due to the impact of the gas shortage.

Most food hotels and restaurants along the beach road remained closed as they could not operate without gas. A few establishments that stayed open were seen preparing food using wood-fired stoves and coal.

Food items were reportedly sold at higher prices at these places. The shortage also affected the preparation of rabri and other sweets in Puri, which require a significant amount of gas. As a result, many sweet shops near the temple area remained closed on Thursday.

Street vendors operating from pushcarts and vans along the roadside also shut their stalls and started returning to their respective villages following the disruption.