Mangaluru: The ongoing shortage of commercial LPG cylinders in coastal Karnataka, reportedly linked to geopolitical tensions involving Iran, is increasingly disrupting operations across the hospitality and industrial sectors. Hotels, wedding halls, and several industrial units in and around Mangaluru are facing mounting difficulties as fuel supplies remain restricted, forcing many establishments to scale down operations or temporarily shut their doors.

Industry representatives say the shortage has persisted for several days, leaving businesses struggling to maintain services while attempting to manage staff and customer expectations. Authorities, meanwhile, are monitoring the situation closely and prioritising essential supplies.

Hotels scale down operations

The hospitality sector has been among the worst affected by the shortage. Several hotels across Mangaluru and surrounding towns have either shut temporarily or drastically reduced their working hours due to the lack of commercial LPG cylinders required for cooking.

Many small and mid-sized hotels have begun operating only during morning hours in an attempt to retain their workforce while minimising fuel consumption. Others have introduced limited menus, offering only a few basic items that require less cooking time and fuel.

Hotel owners say the uncertainty surrounding LPG supply has made it difficult to plan daily operations. Some establishments have been forced to suspend evening services altogether, which has significantly reduced revenue.

Industry insiders indicate that several restaurants and eateries depend entirely on commercial LPG cylinders, making it difficult to shift to alternative cooking methods at short notice. As a result, the shortage has created operational and financial stress across the sector.

Industrial units face fuel rationing

The fuel constraints are not limited to the hospitality sector. Industrial units in the Mangaluru region are also experiencing restrictions in gas supply.

Officials from GAIL Gas have reportedly implemented a rationing system for compressed natural gas (CNG) supplied to industries. According to industry sources, around 20 industrial units in the region are currently permitted to receive only 80 per cent of their average gas consumption recorded over the past six months.

While the rationing measure aims to ensure equitable distribution of limited supplies, several industries have expressed concerns that prolonged restrictions could affect production schedules.

However, authorities have clarified that domestic LPG supplies and CNG availability for vehicles remain largely unaffected at present. The current limitations primarily target commercial and industrial consumption to prioritise household needs.

Wedding halls struggle amid shortage

Wedding halls in parts of Udupi district, particularly in Kundapur and Byndoor, are facing serious challenges due to the shortage of commercial LPG cylinders.

With wedding season underway and several events scheduled in the coming weeks, hall managers are scrambling to find alternative cooking arrangements. In some cases, they have attempted to revert to traditional firewood-based cooking methods.

However, the shift has not been smooth. Caterers and chefs are reportedly reluctant to cook on firewood stoves, citing difficulties in maintaining consistent heat levels and managing large-scale cooking operations.

One hall manager from the region noted that numerous weddings are scheduled around March 25, and uncertainty about gas supply has created anxiety among organisers and caterers alike.

If the shortage continues, event managers fear that it could disrupt wedding arrangements and lead to additional logistical challenges for families hosting ceremonies.

Police warn of LPG booking scams

Amid the ongoing shortage, the police department has also issued a public advisory warning residents about a rise in cyber fraud related to gas bookings.

Authorities say scammers are exploiting the crisis by circulating fake LPG booking links through SMS messages and social media platforms. These fraudulent messages often mimic official websites of oil companies, tricking users into entering sensitive financial information.

Officials have urged the public to exercise caution and follow a few basic precautions while booking gas cylinders.

Consumers are advised to use only official mobile applications provided by oil marketing companies or contact authorised distributors directly for bookings. People have also been warned against clicking on unsolicited links received on their mobile phones.

Police have emphasised that individuals should never share OTPs, CVV numbers, UPI PINs, or bank details with unknown callers or websites claiming to facilitate gas bookings.

Authorities monitoring the situation

District authorities say they are closely monitoring the LPG supply situation and are coordinating with relevant agencies to ensure that essential services continue without disruption.

For now, priority is being given to domestic consumers and critical sectors while commercial establishments await further guidance from the government regarding supply normalisation.

Business owners across the region hope that supply chains will stabilise soon, as prolonged shortages could have a deeper impact on the hospitality industry, event management sector, and local economy.