Mumbai, March 10: The Indian Hotel and Restaurant Association (AHAR) has raised alarms over a significant shortage of commercial gas cylinders. This shortage has forced approximately 20% of hotels and restaurants to cease operations. AHAR has sent a letter to Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, urging for a resolution to the crisis. Additionally, an AHAR delegation is set to meet with Maharashtra’s Food and Civil Supplies Minister Chhagan Bhujbal today regarding the gas shortage.
AHAR President Vijay Shetty warned that if the supply is not restored within the next 72 hours, up to 50% of restaurants in Mumbai could close. The ongoing conflict between the U.S., Israel, and Iran has severely disrupted tanker movements through the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial route for India’s LPG imports. This crisis is unprecedented for Mumbai’s hospitality sector in recent years.
In the letter to the Petroleum Minister, AHAR stated, “Our organization represents nearly 8,000 small restaurants, permit rooms, and hotels, making us one of the largest hospitality associations in Maharashtra with 65 affiliated bodies. We represent the interests of small and medium enterprises, as well as star-rated hotels and restaurants. We understand that the current situation is beyond our control due to global geopolitical factors, but any disruption in LPG supply will have serious and immediate repercussions for the entire industry. Restaurants and hotels heavily rely on LPG for their daily cooking operations. Any interruption will severely impact the livelihoods and revenues of all stakeholders.”
AHAR further emphasized, “Our industry plays a crucial role in providing employment, food, and support services to millions of migrant workers and their families. Currently, around 4 million direct jobs and 16 million indirect jobs/self-employment in Maharashtra depend on this sector.”
The association noted that a complete halt in PNG supply would severely affect the income sources of workers and self-employed individuals, disrupting essential daily services provided by restaurants and hotels. Such disruptions would also significantly impact government revenue, which is derived from customers across all demographics, particularly the large working-class population in various states that relies on restaurants for their daily meals and affordable dining options.
Given the unavoidable global situation, we humbly request that the industry be allowed to operate with a 25% reduction in PNG supply. However, a 100% cut or complete shutdown would make it nearly impossible for establishments to function. Therefore, we urge you to intervene to ensure that the hospitality industry receives a minimum supply of PNG, allowing restaurants and hotels to operate smoothly and safeguard employees’ livelihoods.
My name is Bhupendra Singh Chundawat. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
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