Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai
Mumbai, Mar 10: Nearly 20% of hotels and restaurants in Mumbai have shut down operations due to disruptions in the supply of commercial LPG cylinders, the city’s hotel and restaurant body AHAR (Indian Hotel and Restaurant Association) said on Tuesday.
The association warned that if the supply situation does not improve soon, up to 50% of hotels in the city could be forced to shut down within the next two days.
According to AHAR, the number of establishments that remain operational will depend on the amount of LPG stock available with individual restaurants.
“If the situation continues like this, nearly half of Mumbai’s hotels could shut down in the coming days,” the association said.
However, AHAR clarified that no collective decision has been taken to shut down hotels. The decision to continue operations or temporarily close will depend on individual hotel owners and the availability of gas supplies at their establishments.
The warning comes amid a sudden shortage of commercial LPG cylinders, which has severely affected kitchen operations in restaurants and eateries across the city.
Most restaurants depend heavily on commercial LPG cylinders for daily cooking. Industry representatives said supply disruptions have forced several eateries to reduce menu items or limit operations due to uncertainty over gas availability.
Reports over the past two days indicate that commercial LPG shortages have begun affecting restaurants in multiple cities, including Mumbai.
Restaurant associations have cautioned that thousands of eateries could be impacted if supply disruptions persist.
The shortage comes at a time when global energy markets are under pressure due to the ongoing conflict in West Asia, which has disrupted fuel shipments and raised concerns over supply chains.
Authorities have said efforts are underway to stabilise LPG supplies. However, industry bodies say restaurants are already facing operational challenges as deliveries of commercial cylinders have slowed.
The hospitality sector is now closely monitoring the situation, as prolonged disruptions could force more hotels and restaurants to temporarily suspend operations in the coming days.