Gas Supply Crisis: Bengaluru Hotels To Shut From Tuesday; Pune Temporarily Closes Gas-Based Crematoriums
Gas Supply Crisis: Bengaluru Hotels To Shut From Tuesday; Pune Temporarily Closes Gas-Based Crematoriums
Bengaluru: Hotels across Bengaluru are set to remain closed from Tuesday after the supply of commercial gas cylinders was abruptly halted on Monday, triggering a major crisis for the city’s hospitality industry.
The Bangalore Hotels Association said oil companies had earlier assured that there would be no disruption in gas supply for up to 70 days. However, the sudden suspension has dealt a significant blow to hotel operators. The association also noted that hotels are part of essential services and their closure could affect thousands of people including students, senior citizens, medical professionals and others who rely on affordable hotel meals daily.
Hoteliers have urged the concerned Union Ministers to intervene immediately, restore the supply of commercial LPG cylinders and provide relief to the struggling hotel sector.
The disruption comes amid pressure on LPG supplies due to the ongoing conflict in West Asia following the US–Israeli strikes on Iran. In response, the government has instructed refineries to increase LPG production and prioritise supply for domestic cooking gas consumers.
On Saturday, the price of domestic LPG cylinders was also increased by Rs 60, marking the second hike within a year. The previous increase of Rs 50 had been announced in April last year.
Meanwhile in Pune, the Pune Municipal Corporation has temporarily shut down gas-based crematoriums across the city due to anticipated fuel shortages. Authorities said the move was taken after a directive from the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas on March 5, which asked that available propane and butane, key components used in LPG production, be prioritised for household cooking gas.
With fuel availability reduced for non-domestic use, civic authorities suspended operations at gas-run crematoriums. However, electric crematoriums and wood-based facilities equipped with air pollution control systems will continue to function to ensure services remain available to residents during the global fuel supply disruption.
