Urgent Alert: Bengaluru and Shivamogga Hoteliers Face Crisis as Gas Cylinder Shortage Forces Menu Trimming
In Bengaluru, the ongoing conflict in West Asia has led to a significant shortage of commercial LPG cylinders, prompting some restaurants to limit their menus. As tensions rise between Israel and the U.S. on one side and Iran on the other, local eateries are feeling the impact. A restaurant in Shivaji Nagar, typically bustling during lunchtime, displayed a sign on March 10, 2026, indicating that it was only serving tea and coffee due to this crisis.
Hoteliers in the city report that gas dealers have not refilled commercial cylinders since March 7. The Bengaluru Hotels’ Association warned that if supplies do not resume, many establishments may be forced to shut down. Babu S. of Udupi Aahar in Vasanth Nagar stated, “We cannot shut our businesses for an entire day. So, we have decided to continue serving tea and coffee until we receive confirmation that the supply has been restored. Usually, we keep two induction stoves as a backup, but it’s challenging to serve complete meals without sufficient gas.”
The situation has sparked panic among hoteliers, with several reporting messages from gas providers warning of supply disruptions. Arun Prasad M. of Anna Mess in Malleswaram emphasized the urgent need for a resolution, as countless individuals rely on these establishments for their meals.
While commercial LPG supplies have stalled, establishments connected to piped gas networks have remained unaffected, accounting for about 10–15% of restaurants in the city. These businesses continue to receive uninterrupted service, easing some pressure from the ongoing crisis.
Hoteliers have called on the government to address the issue with the central authorities, especially as the disruption follows a recent ₹115 increase in the price of commercial LPG cylinders-the second hike in less than a year. This added financial burden only exacerbates the challenges presented by the current supply shortage.
Despite the troubles in the restaurant sector, the Karnataka government’s mid-day meal program remains unaffected. Authorities have ensured that domestic LPG cylinders are available for cooking. NGOs like ISKCON and Adamya Chetana have reported their successful use of briquettes for several years, allowing them to continue providing meals without interruption.
The repercussions of the LPG crisis extend beyond Bengaluru. In Shivamogga, local hoteliers are organizing meetings to assess the situation and consider their next steps. P.S. Sudhakar Shetty of Mallige Idli Centre remarked on the gravity of the matter: “If the cylinders’ prices rise, we can manage by increasing food prices, but without gas, we can’t revert to cooking with firewood.”
Though some establishments in Shivamogga, like Machali at Gopala Extension, reported no immediate shortages, uncertainty looms over future supplies. In anticipation of further disruptions, many hoteliers have resorted to panic-buying, straining the already precarious supply chain. A representative from a gas agency in Shivamogga noted a surge in calls from hoteliers seeking information but refrained from commenting on the supply situation.
N. Gopinath, secretary of the Shivamogga Hotel Owners’ Association, assured that operations are currently stable. However, he acknowledged the uncertainty ahead and stressed the necessity to convene soon for an assessment, as their group comprises about 200 members operating around 500 establishments across hotels and mobile food vendors.
As the situation continues to unfold, the local hospitality industry is left navigating through mounting challenges, hoping for a swift resolution to the gas supply crisis.
Original Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/video-hoteliers-of-bengaluru-shivamogga-begin-to-experience-shortage-in-supply-of-commercial-gas-cylinders/article70725629.ece
Category : Karnataka
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Publish Date: 2026-03-10 14:00:00
