LPG shortage disrupts hotel industry across Karnataka amid Gulf war impact

A shortage of LPG cylinders, reportedly triggered by the ongoing Gulf conflict, has severely disrupted the hotel and restaurant industry across Karnataka, forcing thousands of eateries to shut down.

On Wednesday, several hotels and restaurants across the state remained closed, and the number is expected to increase further on Thursday.

In Ballari, LPG supply for commercial establishments, except hostels, has been suspended. Many street-side food stalls have temporarily shut down.

In Chitradurga, LPG supply to hotels has been halted for the past three days, leading to the closure of more than 100 hotels. In Vijayapura, residents reportedly rushed to gas agencies amid fears of scarcity.

Hotels in several districts have reduced their menu items to conserve gas. Fuel-intensive dishes such as puri, vada, bonda, pakoda, dosa and chapati have been temporarily removed from menus.

Instead, establishments are serving items requiring less fuel such as rice, sambar, pulao, lemon rice, curd rice and tomato bath.

In Bengaluru, PG accommodations and hotels have also altered meal plans due to the shortage. Commercial LPG cylinders are reportedly being sold in the black market for ₹2,500 to ₹3,000.

The shortage has also affected religious institutions, weddings and other functions where large-scale cooking is required.

Hotel owners are now considering switching to traditional fuels such as firewood and rice husk as alternatives.

Hotel associations have warned that if the situation continues, the industry may be forced to shut down completely or increase food prices.