Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (TP)

Udupi, Mar 12: The disruption in the supply of commercial LPG cylinders, triggered by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, has begun to severely impact the hotel industry in Udupi district. Several hotels, mobile canteens, and fast-food centers that were operating on existing stocks are now on the verge of shutting down as fresh supplies have failed to reach them for several days.

Tallur Shivaram Shetty, president of the Hotel Owners Association, has urged authorities to ensure at least 50 per cent of the usual LPG supply. This would allow establishments to maintain limited operations and avoid a total shutdown.

Impact on tourism and students

Udupi, a prominent temple town and major tourist destination in coastal Karnataka, attracts a significant number of visitors year-round. The current shortage has raised serious concerns within the tourism sector, particularly as seasonal tourist inflow is on the rise.

The crisis also affects the district's status as an educational hub. Thousands of local and international students residing in hostels and PG accommodations depend heavily on nearby hotels and canteens for their daily meals. With the acute shortage of cylinders, restaurants, lodges, and even college canteens are struggling to meet the demand.

Association seeks government intervention

Speaking on the crisis, Tallur Shivaram Shetty stated that the 25 per cent supply currently promised by authorities is insufficient. “This limited amount is not enough to sustain the industry. We are worried about our workers. While authorities have permitted the use of electricity upon submission of a request letter, the processing time remains unclear. We need at least 50 per cent of our usual supply to provide even a limited menu,” he said.

Canteen owners and hoteliers voice concerns

Yadhav, a mobile canteen owner, noted that additional cylinders are currently unavailable. He mentioned that while his consumption is lower because he prepares food at home, he will be forced to seek daily wage work if his existing stock is exhausted.

Karthik, who runs a college canteen, described the situation as unprecedented. “Every working individual and most college students depend on hotels. Cooking every item using firewood is impractical. We have already removed items that require high gas consumption from our fixed menu. Some hotels in Udupi have already closed temporarily,” he remarked.

Nikhil, owner of Santhrupthi Hotel, confirmed that his last delivery was on Saturday. He stated that small hotels, which lack the capacity to maintain large stocks, are finding it particularly difficult to survive the disruption.