'We will serve people till the last drop': Bengaluru hotels raise alarm over halt in commercial LPG supply

In a statement issued in Kannada, the Bangalore Hotels Association said the supply of commercial gas cylinders had been halted from Monday, creating a major crisis for the hotel industry.

The development comes days after LPG prices were increased amid global energy supply concerns linked to the ongoing Iran–Israel conflict. Household cooking gas prices were raised by ₹60 per cylinder, while commercial LPG cylinder prices went up by ₹115.

The association said the disruption could have a wider impact as hotels are an essential service relied upon by several sections of society.

“Since hotels fall under essential services, the disruption will affect common people, senior citizens, students and medical professionals who depend on hotels for their daily meals,” the association said.

Association president PC Rao said hotel owners are determined to continue operations despite the supply concerns.

“Hotel owners are not ready to close down under any circumstances. Closing down is not in our nature. We will function till the last drop to serve people, but the government and MPs must discuss this matter and help hotel owners,” he said, warning that prolonged shortages could affect businesses and livelihoods.

Rao said the association has already reached out to central ministers and Members of Parliament from Bengaluru to seek urgent intervention.

“There is no alternative in the city. Gas is essential for hotels. Without it, providing food becomes extremely difficult. The government should immediately look into the issue,” he said.

The association also noted that oil companies had earlier assured there would be no disruption in gas supply for up to 70 days, making the sudden halt a major setback for the industry.

Meanwhile, Hardeep Singh Puri, India’s Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas, has maintained that there is no shortage of energy in the country.

“Our priority is to ensure the availability of affordable and sustainable fuel for our citizens, and we are doing it comfortably. There is no shortage of energy in India, and there is no cause of worry for our energy consumers,” he said in a post on X last week.

Separately, Indian Oil Corporation has also dismissed social media claims of petrol and diesel shortages, calling them baseless.