LPG shortage: 90% of hotels in Shivamogga won’t open on March 12

A majority of hotels and restaurants in Shivamogga, in Karnataka, are expected to either close down or scale down the menu from March 12 following a disruption in the supply of commercial gas cylinders in the wake of the conflict in West Asia involving Israel, US, and Iran.

The Shivamogga City Hotel Owners’ Association, which met in Shivamogga on March 11, discussed the issue at length. Many of the members stated that, given the shortage in the supply of cylinders, they could not cook from March 12. Gas agencies have stopped supplying commercial cylinders. As almost all of the hotels are dependent on LPG for cooking, the hoteliers are left with no option but to close down.

Shankaranarayana Holla, president of the association, said, “It is impossible to run hotels without LPG cylinders. Almost 90% of hotels in the city are expected to close down by March 12. Only a few hotels, which have facilities for firewood cooking or electric stoves, can operate with a minimum menu.”

The closure of hotels would badly hit the people visiting the city, including those who avail of treatment in hospitals in Shivamogga.

The association wants LPG distributors to cater to at least 50% of the demand if the hotel industry is to run their operations. Otherwise, the hoteliers and their employees, depending on the industry, are expected to face difficulties.

The association has around 200 members. Approximately 500 eateries operate in Shivamogga.