Bengaluru: The commercial gas cylinder shortage in Bengaluru has escalated into a full-blown crisis, forcing the city’s hospitality sector to the brink. The Bangalore Hotel Association has now approached the Karnataka High Court, filing a writ petition seeking urgent intervention to ensure the uninterrupted supply of LPG cylinders.
The move comes as thousands of hotels face closure, with industry leaders warning of severe economic fallout and widespread job losses.
Writ Petition Filed Amid Mounting Crisis
In its petition, the association has named state-run oil marketing companies as respondents, urging the court to issue directions for the immediate supply of commercial gas cylinders.
Advocate K. Satish Bhat, representing the association, argued that the shortage has not only crippled hotels but also disrupted allied sectors such as milk suppliers, vegetable vendors, and daily wage workers dependent on the hospitality industry.
“The survival of nearly 40,000 hotels and over 6 lakh workers is at stake. Immediate intervention is crucial to prevent a complete collapse,” sources close to the petition stated.
Hotels Shut, Menus Shrink, Losses Mount
The crisis has already begun to show its impact on the ground. Several hotels across Bengaluru have shut down operations, while many others have been forced to cut down their menus drastically due to lack of cooking gas.
Industry insiders warn that if the shortage persists, more establishments may be compelled to close, leading to an unprecedented disruption in the city’s food and service sector.
Reports indicate that the hotel industry in Bengaluru alone has already suffered losses worth hundreds of crores, as businesses struggle to stay afloat.
Government Response Fails to Convince Industry
In response to the growing crisis, Food and Civil Supplies Minister K. H. Muniyappa reportedly assured that 1,000 gas cylinders would be allocated to the hotel sector.
However, the announcement has been met with sharp criticism from hotel owners, who argue that the measure is grossly inadequate.
With over 40,000 hotels in Bengaluru, including around 4,500 registered establishments, industry representatives say the promised supply barely scratches the surface of actual demand.
Ripple Effect on Workers and Economy
The shortage has triggered a cascading impact, putting the livelihoods of over 6 lakh workers at risk. From chefs and waiters to delivery staff and suppliers, the crisis threatens to destabilize an entire ecosystem.
Hotel owners have urged the government to look beyond business losses and consider the human cost, highlighting the struggles of workers and their families.
Uncertain Future for Hospitality Sector
As the matter reaches the Karnataka High Court, the coming days are expected to be crucial in determining the future of Bengaluru’s hotel industry.
With closures increasing and losses mounting, stakeholders are hoping for swift judicial and administrative intervention to avert a deeper crisis.
