Nearly 20 per cent of eateries in Gujarat may face closure if the suspension of commercial LPG cylinder refilling continues, according to industry representatives. The disruption has been linked to global supply issues amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
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Commercial LPG Supply Shortage
Narendra Somani, president of the Federation of All India Caterers and chairman of the Hotel and Restaurant Association of Gujarat, said the shortage of commercial LPG could significantly affect restaurants and roadside food vendors across the state.
Shortage May Force Closure of 20% Eateries in Gujarat
Somani said that restaurants and roadside eateries may begin shutting down from Tuesday as the refilling of commercial LPG cylinders has been temporarily halted for non-essential commercial establishments.
He noted that in Ahmedabad alone, around 2,000 out of nearly 20,000 eateries rely on commercial LPG cylinders, and many of them may shut operations within a day or two if supplies are not restored.
According to Somani, several food stalls in busy areas such as Manek Chowk and Law Garden operate primarily using LPG cylinders, making them particularly vulnerable to the ongoing disruption.
Industry bodies have raised concerns over the potential economic impact of the shortage. The National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI) has written to the Union petroleum minister requesting the continued supply of commercial LPG cylinders.
The association warned that any prolonged disruption could affect a sector that represents more than 500,000 restaurants across India and provides employment to over eight million people.
Industry representatives have urged the government to ensure timely restoration of LPG supplies to avoid large-scale closures and financial losses for small food businesses and restaurant operators.
