KOCHI: The conflict in West Asia has had a ripple effect in Kerala as well, with the availability of commercial LPG cylinders going down drastically. As in the case of other states, the hotel and restaurant industry in Kerala is expected to see the closure of around 50% of its businesses in the next three days if the current trend continues.
Already, smaller businesses have shut down temporarily in the state, according to the Kerala Hotel and Restaurant Association (KHRA). In Mumbai, the Indian Hotel and Restaurant Association (AHAR) declared that nearly 20% of the establishments have closed temporarily. The same is the case in cities like Chennai and Bengaluru, and other parts of the country.
Azees Moosa, working president of KHRA, told TNIE that the situation is going from bad to worse. “In my case, with the stock available, I may be able to continue operations for two more days. Thereafter, I would be forced to shut down until the situation improves,” Azees said.
“In the case of those placing bulk orders, say around 15 cylinders, the gas agencies are giving only two cylinders. The agencies are turning away all customers placing orders for one or two cylinders,” he added.
According to Jose Pradeep, president of Kerala Travel Mart (KTM), the shortage of commercial LPG will adversely hit the hotel industry as well.
“In our case, we have to worry about serving breakfast to our boarders. My hotel has a stock of five cylinders, and we may be able to manage for three days. After that? No idea,” Jose said. He also pointed out that if the situation continues in the same way, the livelihoods of hundreds will be affected.
The restaurants and hotel owners are even using firewood and charcoal as fuel. “But even that is not a feasible solution,” said Azees. Due to the strict rules regarding hygiene, it may not be conducive to use firewood as a fuel, he added.
LPG shortage severe: Dealers
Even as the officials with major oil companies BPCL, IOC, and HPCL remain tight-lipped on the stock availability of commercial LPG in the state, dealers point out that the situation is dire. According to a dealer in Kochi, his godown has been empty since Monday. “No production of commercial LPG has been happening in Kerala since Monday. If the situation continues, the hotel and restaurant industry will shut down,” said the dealer.
Meanwhile, in a post on X, the ministry of petroleum and natural gas has said that orders have been issued to oil refineries to increase LPG production and to use the extra LPG for domestic use.
