Wood being used for cooking at one restaurant in South Goa.
MARGAO
Despite claims that domestic LPG supply has largely stabilised following disruptions linked to the West Asia conflict, the situation for commercial LPG cylinders in Goa remains far from normal.
In the State’s commercial hubs, hoteliers continue to grapple with acute shortages, forcing many to revert to traditional cooking methods or scale down operations.
Several hotel owners report that commercial LPG cylinders are still not easily accessible, severely affecting daily business. While some establishments have turned to firewood to keep their kitchens running, others have been compelled to reduce operating hours, leading to a noticeable loss of customers and revenue.
Adding to their woes are widespread allegations of black marketing. Hoteliers have raised serious concerns over the apparent contradiction in supply: while authorised distributors cite shortages, cylinders are reportedly available on the black market at exorbitant prices.
President of the South Goa Hoteliers Association, Deepak Pai, said the supply of commercial LPG cylinders has yet to stabilise, leaving the hospitality sector under strain. “Many establishments are still dependent on firewood. The situation has not improved despite assurances from petroleum companies,” Pai said.
He further alleged large-scale black marketing, noting that cylinders are being sold at nearly double their official price. “A commercial cylinder that should cost around Rs 2,150 is being sold for Rs 4,500 to Rs 5,000 on the black market. This raises serious questions about the supply chain and enforcement,” he added.
Gas agency operators, however, attribute the shortage to limited allocations from petroleum companies. One dealer explained that while the daily requirement is around 150 cylinders, agencies are receiving only about 100 on average. “This gap is the primary reason for the shortage. That said, the situation has shown slight improvement in recent days,” the dealer noted.
For many hoteliers, the impact is immediate and unavoidable. One hotel owner shared that his establishment requires at least two to three cylinders per day but often struggles to secure even one. “We are left with no choice but to use firewood. It is not ideal, but we have to keep the business running,” he said.
The persistence of black market availability, despite official shortages, has intensified calls for investigation and stricter regulation. Hoteliers are demanding accountability from both suppliers and authorities, questioning how unauthorised channels continue to thrive while legitimate businesses suffer.
Industry stakeholders are urging petroleum companies and government agencies to take swift action to streamline distribution, curb illegal sales, and ensure that commercial users receive adequate and timely supplies.
