LPG crisis threatens Tamil Nadu, warns of closure of 1 lakh restaurants in 48 hours
The hotel industry in Tamil Nadu is in crisis due to a severe shortage of commercial LPG cylinders. The Hotel Owners Association has warned that if gas supply is not restored soon, around 1 lakh restaurants across the state may close in the next 48 hours.
Chennai: The hotel and restaurant industry in Tamil Nadu is facing a major crisis. The sudden shortage of commercial LPG cylinders in the state has raised concerns among hoteliers. The Tamil Nadu Hotel Owners Association has warned that if the gas supply is not restored immediately, around one lakh restaurants are likely to close within the next 48 hours.
M Venkatsubbu, president of the association, said that gas supply has already been disrupted in many districts. From hotels in big cities to small dhabas and tea stalls, it has started feeling the impact. Gas stock in many places is left only for two days, after which it can be almost impossible to run a kitchen.
Big threat to employment and economy
The restaurant industry is not limited to food service, but it is also associated with the livelihoods of millions of families. According to the association, about 50 lakh people in the state are directly and about 50 lakh people are indirectly dependent on this sector.
If large-scale restaurants are closed, it can have an impact not only on customers but also on supply chains, food trade and tourism industry.
Venkatasubbu demanded immediate intervention from the central government, saying it is necessary to ensure uninterrupted supply of commercial LPG cylinders for hotels and restaurants, otherwise the entire industry may get stuck in a serious crisis.
Gas supply disrupted in several districts
Gas supply has been affected from several districts of the state. Hotel owners of Tiruchirappalli, Pudukottai, Thanjavur, Karur, Perambalur and Ariyalur said cylinder supply trucks have not arrived in the last few days.
Bookings for commercial cylinders in Thiruvananthapuram and Cuddalore have been temporarily suspended, furthering the inconvenience of hoteliers.
Cities like Chennai and Vellore are currently under partial control, but industry representatives say the situation could worsen rapidly if supply is not restored soon.
Impact of international tensions
According to industry sources, rising tensions between the US and Iran have also put pressure on the global supply chain. This has had an impact on LPG availability in many parts of India and Tamil Nadu has also not been untouched by it.
Demand for domestic gas also suddenly increased.
Demand for domestic LPG cylinders has increased sharply in Villupuram and Kallakuruchi districts. According to gas agencies, the wait for delivery after booking has now increased from 21 days to about 25 days.
Distributors say that at present, cylinders are being given only to consumers who have already booked.
Many hotel menus and shortening time
Many large restaurants in Coimbatore have reduced the number of recipes present in their menu to save gas and also reduced the hours of operation.
The situation in tourism-dependent areas is considered more serious. For example, about 90 per cent of restaurants in Rameswaram are completely dependent on LPG cylinders. If the gas shortage continues, the hotel is expected to close first.
Experts believe that this crisis is not just an issue in Tamil Nadu. If the supply chain does not return to normal soon, it can also have an impact on the hotel industry in other states of the country.
