Agra’s Iconic Petha Industry Faces Crisis Amid LPG Shortage

The famous petha industry of Agra is facing a severe production crisis due to a shortage of commercial LPG, threatening the survival of hundreds of manufacturing units. The disruption, linked to global supply pressures and domestic policy priorities, has reduced fuel availability to less than 40% of demand.

According to industry representatives, including the Noori Darwaza Petha Union, traditional cooking methods—essential for achieving the signature texture of petha—depend heavily on consistent high-heat LPG flames. Alternative solutions like electric or biofuel systems are difficult to implement due to infrastructure limitations in heritage production hubs.

The shortage has already cut production by nearly 50%, affecting over 50,000 workers and disrupting supply chains tied to ash gourd farming. Prices have surged as manufacturers turn to costly black-market fuel.

Industry stakeholders have appealed to the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas for urgent intervention, warning of long-term damage to this GI-tagged delicacy.

20-03-2026