Thane: Over 800 hotels, restaurants, and food businesses in the city could face closure in the coming days as their LPG supplies are rapidly running out. According to the Thane Hotel Association, most establishments currently have gas stock that will last only five to six days, creating serious concern among hotel owners and workers.

The uncertainty in LPG supply is reportedly linked to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which has disrupted the global supply of crude oil, LPG, and CNG. As a result, several sectors in India are beginning to feel the impact. Hotel operators in the city say they have been warned by gas suppliers that the supply situation could worsen at any time. In response, many businesses have started piling extra cylinders as a precautionary measure.

Raghunath Shetty, Secretary of the Thane Hotel Association, highlighted the seriousness of the situation, stating, “Many hotels currently have gas stock for only five to six days, and if supply is not restored soon, closures may become unavoidable.”

Hotel owners have also raised concerns about alleged black-market sales of commercial LPG cylinders. According to the association, some suppliers are reportedly charging significantly higher prices due to the shortage.

Ratnakar Shetty, Vice President of the association, said, “Some suppliers are charging Rs 400 extra per cylinder in the black market. Besides, only about 30 per cent of hotels in the city receive piped gas, while the rest depend entirely on LPG cylinders.”

Hotel’s daily gas requirement

The hotel industry relies heavily on 19.5-kg commercial LPG cylinders for daily cooking operations. Large hotels serving a high number of customers typically require around two cylinders per day, while smaller eateries usually consume one cylinder every two days. With the supply situation uncertain, many establishments fear they may have no option but to temporarily shut down their kitchens.

Hotel associations have urged government authorities and gas suppliers to intervene quickly and ensure a steady supply of LPG.