PANAJI
A sudden nationwide shortage of commercial LPG cylinders has triggered alarm across the State’s hospitality sector, with restaurant owners warning that eateries, beach shacks and even catering services could shut down within days if supplies are not restored.
The disruption, as a result of the global supply tremors after the United States and Israel strikes on Iran and the wider West Asia conflict, has already begun affecting hotels and restaurants in major cities like Mumbai and Bengaluru.
Now, Goa -- whose tourism economy depends heavily on its restaurants, beach shacks, catering businesses and numerous eatery outlets -- fears it may be next.
“If we don’t get cylinders soon, businesses will shut down. Commercial establishments require huge quantities of LPG. But supplies are being restricted and priority appears to be shifting towards domestic consumers, which is unavoidable for obvious reasons,” President of the Goa Hotels and Restaurant Association, Gaurish Dhond, said, speaking to The Goan.
Dhond said the crisis comes at a time when the tourism season continues to drive events, parties and large gatherings across the State. He raised apprehensions that with the supply uncertain, restaurants may soon be forced to increase menu prices.
“The cost of food will go up across outlets,” he said, adding that the association plans to meet Chief Minister Pramod Sawant to seek urgent intervention.
Across Goa, restaurant owners have stated the shortage has already begun to choke operations. “If we don’t get a cylinder, we will have to shut the business. There is an acute shortage already. Cylinders are the most important thing in our business. The government must step in and help,” Owner of Heera Classic Kitchen & Bar, Kiran Shirodkar, said.
For many small operators, the crisis is measured not in weeks but in hours.
“I will have to shut my shack if cylinders don’t arrive tonight (Tuesday). Three cylinders are already empty. If supply doesn’t come, we cannot cook for our customers,” General Secretary of the Shack Owners Welfare Society John Lobo said.
He revealed that restaurant owners have been told that distributors can deliver only after they receive stock from LPG plants.
Meanwhile, reports from Mumbai and Bengaluru -- where some eateries have already curtailed operations -- have heightened anxiety.
“We are not blaming the government for the price rise,” Lobo said, adding, “But this global crisis is increasing costs. If gas prices rise, food prices will rise too.” “If our businesses don’t run, even our home kitchens will go empty. Our earnings will stop and our staff will also suffer.”
President of All Goa Traditional Shack Owners Association, Manuel Cardozo, demanded that the government intervene and give a subsidy because of this global crisis. “If crores of rupees can be spent on major sectors like casinos, then relief can also be given to local restaurants, dhabas, catering businesses and industries that depend on LPG,” he said.
As the issue also reached the floor of the Goa Legislative Assembly, Leader of the Opposition Yuri Alemao on Tuesday urged the government to convene an urgent meeting of stakeholders.
“Hotel and restaurant operations in Bengaluru are already facing severe disruption because of the suspension of commercial gas supplies. Karnataka is our neighbouring state, and any suspension there could directly affect Goa," he said.
He urged the State government to coordinate with the Centre and ensure an uninterrupted supply to Goa’s tourism industry.
