Mangaluru: With the normalisation of LPG supply, hotels and eateries in the city have largely shifted from firewood to gas, with only a few still operating on firewood. However, despite this shift, fresh war tensions in West Asia have created uncertainty among hotel operators over possible supply disruptions and price fluctuations.Kudpi Jagadish Shenoy, president of the DK Hotels & Restaurants Association, said that almost all hotels have moved back to LPG after supply stabilised. He said that earlier there were minor disruptions when gas availability was low, forcing some hotels to temporarily shut operations, but services resumed once supply normalised.Shenoy said the recent reduction, with prices earlier increased by around Rs 1,300 and cut by only about Rs 200, offer little relief. He said that if crude prices fall globally, rates may come down, otherwise they may increase again, and with war tensions starting again, we have to wait and watch.He said that there are no major issues at present but uncertainty persists. Firewood suppliers have reported a sharp decline in demand following the return of LPG supply. Alvin Mascarenhas, a firewood supplier from Gorigudda, said demand from hotels has dropped drastically.There has been an around 80% decline since gas supply normalised, with only a few hotel operators now coming to purchase firewood, unlike earlier, when many arrived early in the morning, he saidHe said that at present, only a few buyers, mainly from economically weaker sections, purchase small quantities such as around 10 kg. He said many hotels earlier depended on firewood, but most have now shifted to gas, preferring it due to ease of use and labour constraints. Another firewood supplier, Ravindra, said that around 70% of hotels have shifted to LPG. He added that some hotels still use firewood as they find gas expensive. If there is a shortage in LPG supply again, they may return to firewood, he said. Despite many shifts, some continue to rely on firewood due to high LPG costs and existing infrastructure.Ashwatham Hegde, proprietor of Tulunadu Food Catering Services, said they still rely on firewood, with usage at around 75% firewood and 25% LPG, adding that any further rise in LPG rices could push up food costs.
