The Bengaluru Hotel Association has moved the Karnataka High Court to seek to urgent relief amid the ongoing disruption in the supply of commercial cooking gas to hotels, restaurants and other food service establishments across the city, as per NDTV reports.
According to the petition filed on Monday, continued unavailability of commercial LPG cylinders has severely impacted daily operations of food establishments, impacting continuity in businesses, employment, and public food services in the city.
Taking cognisance of the petition filed by the representatives of the hotel and restaurant sector, the Karnataka HC directed the state authorities to place relevant data on record regarding the availability of commercial LPG stock, supply logistics and distribution mechanisms followed.
The court has sought clarity from the departments and distribution agencies concerned on issues like the current stock position of commercial LPG cylinder, allocation and supply status, distribution allocation and, finally, what steps are being taken to address the disruption in supply.
The matter has been slated for further hearing on Monday, where the state is expected to submit the requested data and status report before the Court.
As per the report, the hotel industry has expressed hope that the issue will garner urgent attention and that appropriate directions will be issued to ensure restoration of uninterrupted commercial gas supply.
The industry also emphasised that consistent supply is essential for the functioning of the hospitality sector and related livelihoods.
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The What & Why Of LPG Supply Crunch
The LPG crunch is linked to global energy disruptions and geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and Strait of Hormuz, which have tightened supply chains.
The crisis is creating a double squeeze-on businesses and consumers alike. Small vendors, who rely on frequent LPG refills, are cutting hours, shrinking menus, or temporarily shutting shop in cities like Bhopal and Ranchi. Restaurants in metros such as Bengaluru and Pune are reportedly reducing operations and dropping fuel-intensive dishes.
For consumers, especially daily wage workers, students and officegoers, this means fewer affordable food options. What was once a Rs 30 snack is edging toward Rs 50 or more, chipping away at already tight budgets.
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