Commercial LPG shortage hits Bengaluru hotels; association moves High Court
A writ petition has been filed against government-owned oil companies, demanding immediate directions to ensure uninterrupted supply of commercial gas cylinders.
Bengaluru: The growing shortage of commercial LPG cylinders in Karnataka has pushed the hotel industry in Bengaluru into deep crisis, forcing several establishments to shut down while others continue operations with reduced menus and mounting losses.
With the situation worsening by the day, the Bengaluru Hotel Association has approached the Karnataka High Court seeking urgent intervention. A writ petition has been filed against government-owned oil companies, demanding immediate directions to ensure uninterrupted supply of commercial gas cylinders.
According to the petition, nearly 40,000 hotels across the city are facing severe difficulties due to the shortage, impacting around six lakh workers dependent on the sector. The association has also highlighted the ripple effect on allied sectors, including milk and vegetable vendors.
Advocate K. Satish Bhat, representing the association, argued that the crisis has disrupted the entire supply chain. “The shortage of LPG cylinders has forced hotels to either shut down or drastically cut down their operations. This has directly affected lakhs of workers and small vendors,” he submitted before the court.
Industry stakeholders have expressed dissatisfaction with the assurance given by Food and Civil Supplies Minister K.H. Muniyappa, who had announced the supply of 1,000 cylinders to ease the crisis. Hotel owners argue that the number is grossly inadequate.
“Providing 1,000 cylinders for 40,000 hotels is practically meaningless. It does not address the scale of the crisis,” said a hotel owner, adding that the government must consider the livelihood of workers and their families.
Reports indicate that while around 4,500 hotels in Bengaluru are officially registered, the actual number of eateries is significantly higher, all of which are struggling due to the ongoing shortage. Several restaurants have already shut down temporarily, while many others are operating at a loss.
Industry estimates suggest that the crisis has already caused losses worth hundreds of crores in Bengaluru alone. If the situation persists, more closures are likely, raising concerns about unemployment and economic impact.
The High Court is expected to hear the matter soon, with hotel owners hoping for immediate relief through judicial intervention.
