Shivamogga/Madikeri: The ongoing West Asia war has led to a severe disruption in commercial gas supplies, directly impacting the hotel industry in Shivamogga.Following an emergency meeting Wednesday under the leadership of Shankaranarayana Holla, the Shivamogga District Hotel Owners’ Association decided that most hospitality establishments in the city will suspend operations starting Thursday. With private companies halting gas supplies and local agencies facing a total depletion of stock, hoteliers say it is impossible to run their business. Since nearly 98% of local hotels and eateries depend entirely on commercial LPG, the shortage has created a situation where owners are struggling to even pay wages. Starting Thursday, approximately 90% of Shivamogga’s hotels are expected to shut down. Only those that use firewood or electric ovens and stoves will remain functional, offering only a limited menu. State zonal secretary for the union, Uday, has urged the govt to intervene immediately and ensure at least 50% gas supply is maintained to protect the livelihood of workers and interests of the public. The tourism sector in Kodagu is already worried over shortage of LPG cylinders. Dinesh Cariappa, the president of District Hotel and Resort Entrepreneurs’ Association, said the recent price hike of LPG cylinders has hit the industry hard. “If the situation continues for some more days, it may be difficult to operate hotels. Fortunately, at least for now, there is no problem with supply and distribution of petrol and diesel. BOX Rising demand for firewood With LPG cylinder prices skyrocketing and supply chains expected to dry up further for commercial establishments, the traditional practice of firewood collection has seen a sudden surge in the Malnad area. As the region prepares for a series of local fairs and festivals over the next two months — where large-scale cooking of non-vegetarian items typically demands high fuel consumption — sources said residents are increasingly trespassing into protected areas to collect branches, with allegations of healthy trees being chopped down to meet the urgent demand for cooking fuel also coming in. Environmentalists have warned if the current crisis persists, pressure on the Malnad forests will intensify, leading to significant ecological damage.
