LPG Shortage Threatens Temple Kitchens, But Shirdi Sai Temple Ensures Meals for Devotees Continue
Despite a looming LPG shortage linked to global tensions, Shirdi Sai Temple continues serving free meals to thousands daily by relying on its large solar cooking system and careful fuel management.
13 March, 2026 | Shirdi : Amid concerns over a potential LPG shortage triggered by global geopolitical tensions, the kitchen at the Shirdi Sai Baba Samadhi Temple continues to provide free meals to thousands of devotees every day. Temple authorities have stepped up alternative cooking arrangements to ensure that the long-running food service remains uninterrupted.The temple’s Prasadalaya, a massive dining facility serving pilgrims visiting Shirdi, normally depends heavily on LPG for cooking large quantities of food. On busy days, meals are prepared for nearly 40,000 to 50,000 devotees, making it one of the largest community kitchens associated with a religious shrine in India.
With uncertainties surrounding gas supply, the temple administration has revived and maximised the use of its solar-powered cooking system. Installed in 2009, the system is among the largest solar cooking facilities used in temple kitchens across the country and plays a crucial role in reducing reliance on LPG.Through this renewable energy setup, the kitchen can prepare nearly five tonnes of rice and lentils daily, saving around 200 kilograms of LPG each day. This has helped ensure that devotees continue receiving free meals even as the fuel situation remains uncertain.
Officials said the temple still maintains a limited stock of LPG cylinders and is carefully managing consumption while relying more on solar energy to meet cooking needs. The ongoing fuel disruption has been linked to geopolitical tensions in West Asia, which have affected the distribution of commercial gas cylinders in several parts of the country.Despite these challenges, temple authorities have assured devotees that the Annadan service will continue without interruption, maintaining a tradition that feeds thousands of pilgrims visiting Shirdi each day.
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