Mysuru: The current crisis over the supply of commercial LPG cylinders, triggered by the ongoing West Asia war, has resulted in thousands of job losses across Mysuru – most of those in the unorganised sector, with the worst-hit being the food and beverages industry.Bhaskar Urs, the vice-president (South) of National Association of Street Vendors of India (NASVI), said in Mysuru alone, around 4,000 roadside food vendors and an equal number of employees are out of jobs. “Nearly 8,000 people are jobless as no cylinders are available to keep food carts running,” he said.
According to industry representatives, the food and beverages sector is the worst hit by the current turmoil. With no cylinders available, hotels are either shut or forced to function with a limited menu. Roadside food vendors are also severely affected by the LPG shortage. “Initially, when this problem started, we were supplied with 5 kg cylinders. Now, that has stopped. Hundreds of families have lost their livelihood,” Urs added. Mysuru Hotel Owners’ Association president C Narayana Gowda said the hotel industry is also witnessing job losses. “Around 3,000 employees engaged in various sections are now jobless as hotels have trimmed their menus and services. If LPG supply is not restored soon, it may lead to further job losses,” he warned. The Mysore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) also reported job losses in several industrial units, especially in welding and wire manufacturing. “In Hebbal Industrial Area alone, there are 10-12 welding units, while there are around 100-120 across the district. According to our estimates, around 1,600 job losses have been reported in these units,” said KB Lingaraju, the president of MCCI.
