Bengaluru hotels warn of shutdown from March 10 if LPG supply isn’t restored

Petrol and diesel prices in India are unlikely to increase, unless and until crude oil prices breach $130 per barrel, government sources said.

Bengaluru Hotels Association on March 9 threatened to shut operations from Tuesday following a sudden disruption in the supply of commercial LPG cylinders, warning that the shutdown will go ahead if supplies are not restored.

In a press release, the association said the stoppage of commercial gas supply from Monday has severely affected the hotel industry, which it described as an essential service relied upon by a large section of the public for daily meals.

“Senior citizens, students, patients and many others depend on hotels for their food. The disruption in gas supply will cause significant inconvenience to the public as well as the hotel industry,” the association said.

It also pointed out that oil companies had earlier assured that there would be no disruption in gas supply for 70 days. The sudden halt in supply has therefore come as a major setback for hotel operators, it said.

The association urged the concerned Union ministers and authorities to intervene immediately to restore commercial LPG supply and extend support to the hospitality sector.

It warned that hotels may be forced to shut operations from Tuesday if the supply issue is not resolved quickly.

Speaking to reporters, PC Rao, honorary president of Bangalore Hotels Association, said hotel owners are reluctant to suspend operations but may be forced to shut down if the supply of commercial LPG cylinders is not restored.

“Without gas, it will be impossible to prepare food and hotels may not open from tomorrow,” he said, adding that the association has contacted Union ministers and MPs from Bengaluru seeking urgent intervention. He warned that the shortage could affect businesses and livelihoods across the sector.