BENGALURU: Karnataka govt Friday ruled out supplying commercial LPG cylinders to hotels in the state for the next 7-10 days, dashing restaurants’ hopes of an early return to full-scale operations.At least 30% of hotels across the state have downed shutters and 50% of small eateries in Bengaluru have suspended or trimmed their operations over gas shortage.However, LPG supply to hospitals, hostels, residential schools and large manufacturing facilities across the state would continue without disruption. Gas for vehicles, including autorickshaws, would also be unaffected.In the legislative council, food and civil supplies minister KH Muniyappa, who reviewed the ground situation, said that with oil companies left with limited stock, ensuring normal supply was extremely difficult. The govt has told hoteliers to “patiently wait” for 7-10 days.In the interim, the govt has asked hoteliers to switch to electric stoves.After council members Ivan D’Souza and Nagaraj Yadav brought up the shortage of commercial cylinders, Muniyappa said, “Two carriers managed to arrive (from Strait of Hormuz) with supplies, while 10-12 are held up. It will take time for them to reach our shores. Until then, we have to make do with what we have.”When legislators said autorickshaws were allegedly running out of gas, Muniyappa said oil companies have been instructed to ensure uninterrupted supply of auto LPG at fuel stations. He ruled out any disruption in supply.About complaints that several stations across the state have increased auto LPG prices by Rs 20 to Rs 25 per kg, Muniyappa told TOI he has directed deputy commissioners to closely monitor the situation. In instances of unauthorised price hike, deputy commissioners will raid and seal such stations and area police inspectors will monitor the price, he added.
