Why did the grocers decide to stop giving Baba oil, and how did they react when he lit the lamps with water?

The grocers' motivation stemmed from simple annoyance. Chapter 5 explains that Baba brought oil for free every day, and the grocers eventually got a "wicked idea" in their minds, conspiring to stop what they considered a "nuisance." Their reaction to the subsequent miracle was one of complete shock and repentance. Upon seeing the water-fueled lamps burn all night, the grocers were amazed and "put their fingers in their mouths." As Chapter 5 recounts, they began to tremble, realizing they had sinned by lying to Baba and had given him needless trouble. They felt deep repentance for their actions.