New Delhi: Hotels in Bengaluru are facing trouble due to the LPG shortage in the country. The crisis happened due to the ongoing crisis in the Middle East,
due to the war between Israel-US and Iran. The flow of fuel, including LPG to India has been impacted due to the disruptions and partial closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
Eateries scramble to get fuel, make alternative arrangements
Meanwhile, as the fuel shortage in the country continues, several eateries in Bengaluru are trying to switch to alternative fuels. While some have adopted induction cooktops, some are even using wood fired ovens, reported Deccan Herald.
The shine from the eateries in the city, be it the famous Darshini outlets in South Bengaluru or the Iftar stalls in Shivajinagar, is off this season. All due to the shortage of LPG in the kitchens of these eateries.
Bangalore Hotel Association president, PC Rao said that 25 eateries in the city have already shut down following the LPG crisis. Meanwhile, many others have hiked their food prices, in order to be able to afford the LPG cylinders. Food prices have been hiked by Rs 5 to Rs 20, depending upon the dishes.
The LPG cylinders in the city are being sold in the black market. They cost anything between Rs 3,000 to Rs 5,000 per cylinder. This has increased the operating cost of the hotels and they have consequently increased the food prices. The increase ranges from Rs 5 to Rs 20, depending upon the food item. Apart from increasing the prices of the food, several hotels have curtailed their menu to just 2 or 3 food items, instead of the usual 15 to 20 items.
It is estimated that the hotel industry in the city has already suffered an estimated loss of Rs 100 crore.
Workers laid off
Meanwhile, while some eateries have completely shut shop, there are others which have laid off their workers. This has been done to reduce operating cost. Several workers have been asked to not report to work.
A popular eatery in Rajajinagar in Bengaluru, has however chosen to swap gas stoves, with electric powered induction cooktops and firewood ovens. The owner said that they do not have any other option, as even if they close the shop, they will still have to pay the rent and also the salaries of their staff. They said that in order to continue their business running, they have started making tea and coffee on electric stoves.
However he said that switching to electric mode of cooking was not easy. It not only raises electricity bills but also leads to more preparation time, which annoys both the workers and the customers at the eatery.
