In an unusual but creative move, a hotel in Hosur is offering free biryani to customers who supply commercial LPG cylinders, highlighting the challenges faced by the hotel industry amid a nationwide gas
shortage. The offer, which has gone viral on social media, has drawn widespread attention and sparked a mix of curiosity and admiration.
The hotel, Erode Emmys Mess, in Hosur has faced difficulties due to the rising prices and limited availability of commercial LPG cylinders, a problem exacerbated by global fuel supply disruptions linked to the ongoing Iran-US-Israel conflict. With hundreds of hotels struggling to cook due to the scarcity of gas, the Hosur-based restaurant has turned to an inventive solution: exchange a gas cylinder for daily biryani. Customers who provide one cylinder can enjoy a plate of biryani every day for a month, while those contributing two cylinders are offered two plates per day.
The hotel’s signboard reads, “Help us cook, we will fill your stomach,” capturing the attention of local residents and netizens alike. While some have praised the initiative as a clever business strategy, others are lining up to see if they can take advantage of the offer.
The crisis has impacted more than just small restaurants. Rising gas prices and irregular supply have forced some establishments to either add a separate gas charge to customer bills—sometimes even included with drinks—or close temporarily, leading to losses and operational challenges. Authorities have noted that charging separately for gas may violate the Consumer Protection Act, yet hoteliers are seeking any solution to keep their kitchens running.
For Erode Emmys Mess, the initiative is not primarily for profit. The hotel is seeking to secure commercial cylinders essential for cooking in the current scarcity. By encouraging customers to contribute spare or unused cylinders, the hotel aims to maintain its operations and continue serving meals despite the challenging market conditions.
This unique approach has sparked discussions online about how businesses are adapting creatively to global supply chain disruptions, while also offering an unusual incentive for customers. In difficult times, innovative strategies like this one demonstrate the resilience and ingenuity of small business owners striving to keep their operations afloat.
(Reporting by Ashiq Mulki, News18 Kannada, Bengaluru)
