Mysuru: The supply of commercial LPG cylinders has been halted in Mysuru district since Wednesday, causing serious disruption to the hospitality sector and several industries that depend heavily on the fuel for daily operations.
While the supply of domestic LPG cylinders remains unaffected, the sudden stoppage of commercial cylinders has created uncertainty among business establishments and led to panic booking by some consumers.
The crisis has particularly affected hotels, restaurants and small food establishments across the city and surrounding areas, forcing many of them to cut down their menus and operate with limited cooking options.
Hotels reduce menu items
The shortage of commercial LPG cylinders has forced hotels and restaurants to significantly alter their menus.
According to industry sources, several eateries have temporarily stopped serving items that require continuous use of gas stoves. Popular dishes such as roti, dosa, fried rice and manchurian have been removed from menus in many establishments.
Instead, hotels are preparing food items that require less cooking time or can be cooked in bulk, such as rice-based dishes.
The situation has raised concerns among hotel owners, many of whom are uncertain about how long their existing LPG stocks will last.
Around 1,500 hotels affected
The impact of the shortage is being felt across the city’s hospitality industry.
According to C Narayana Gowda, president of the Mysuru Hotel Owners Association, there are nearly 1,500 hotels and restaurants operating in Mysuru city and nearby areas.
He said most establishments currently have LPG stocks that will last for only two to three days.
“If the supply is not restored soon, many hotels may be forced to temporarily shut down their kitchens,” Gowda said.
Hotel owners say they are unable to switch completely to alternative fuel sources such as electricity or firewood due to logistical challenges and higher operational costs.
Industries also face operational challenges
Apart from the hospitality sector, several industries in the district are also facing operational difficulties due to the shortage of commercial LPG cylinders.
Many manufacturing units depend on LPG for processes such as heating, processing and other industrial operations.
There are more than 30 industries located in the Hebbal and Metagalli industrial areas that rely on commercial LPG cylinders for their daily production activities.
Industry representatives say the disruption in supply is already affecting production schedules and may lead to financial losses if the situation continues for a longer period.
Wedding functions affected
The crisis has also affected the ongoing marriage season, creating anxiety among families preparing for wedding functions and ceremonies.
Many families have already booked choultries (marriage halls) and paid substantial advance amounts. However, the non-availability of commercial LPG cylinders has made it difficult for caterers to prepare food for large gatherings.
Traditionally, cooking for weddings relied heavily on LPG cylinders, and most modern choultries do not have arrangements for large-scale cooking using firewood.
If the shortage continues, organisers may have to explore alternative methods such as temporary firewood-based cooking setups, though this would require additional arrangements.
Panic booking by consumers
Even though domestic LPG supply has not been affected, reports of the commercial cylinder shortage have triggered panic booking among some consumers.
Officials have clarified that household LPG distribution continues as usual and there is no need for domestic consumers to worry about supply shortages.
However, authorities are closely monitoring the situation to ensure that normal distribution of domestic cylinders is not disrupted.
Similar situation in nearby districts
The disruption in commercial LPG supply is not limited to Mysuru district alone.
Reports indicate that similar conditions are being experienced in neighbouring districts including Hassan, Mandya and Chamarajanagar, where hotels and businesses dependent on commercial cylinders are also facing difficulties.
Business owners across these districts are hoping for a quick resolution so that normal operations can resume.
Conclusion
The sudden halt in the supply of commercial LPG cylinders has exposed the dependence of the hospitality and industrial sectors on this essential fuel. While domestic LPG supply remains stable, the shortage in commercial cylinders is already affecting hotels, industries and wedding functions across Mysuru and nearby districts.
If the supply disruption continues for several more days, it could lead to temporary closure of hotels, delays in industrial production and complications for large social events. Business owners and industry bodies are now awaiting a swift solution to restore normal LPG distribution.