Odisha’s hotel and restaurant industry is facing a severe crisis after the stoppage of commercial LPG cylinder supply, raising fears of mass closures and job losses.
The Hotel and Restaurant Association of Odisha (HRAO) submitted memorandums to the Union Petroleum and Gas Minister, the Chief Minister, the Tourism Minister, and the Chief Secretary, urging immediate restoration of LPG supply. The association warned that cooking in hotels and restaurants depends entirely on commercial LPG cylinders, and disruption has already affected food preparation and services.
HRAO president stated that if the situation continues, many hotels and restaurants may shut down, leading to booking cancellations and unemployment for nearly 50,000 workers in the sector. The crisis could also impact Odisha’s tourism industry, which relies heavily on hospitality services.
Gas agencies have reportedly been instructed not to provide commercial cylinders, while hotels are being asked to reduce usage. Present supplies last only three to four days, making operations unsustainable. HRAO stressed that unless the government ensures an uninterrupted supply, the hotel industry will collapse.
