Bengaluru: Hotel and restaurant operations across Karnataka's capital are expected to experience widespread disruptions beginning March 10, following an abrupt and total suspension of commercial gas cylinder supplies, the Bangalore Hotels Association announced Monday.

The association attributed the energy crisis to escalating costs and supply chain constraints stemming from the ongoing conflict in West Asia. In a formal statement, the industry body, which represents over 3,000 establishments, warned that kitchens will likely remain dark for the foreseeable future.

"Since the gas supply has stopped, the hotels will be closed from tomorrow," the association stated. The organization emphasized that, as an essential service, the closure would disproportionately affect common citizens, students, and medical professionals who rely on these establishments for daily sustenance.

Broken Assurances

Industry leaders expressed frustration with oil marketing companies, which had previously guaranteed that gas supplies would remain stable for at least 70 days. The association described the sudden reversal as a "big blow" and called for federal intervention.

"We expect the concerned Union Ministers to take appropriate action immediately in this matter and resume commercial gas supply and provide cooperation to the hotel industry," the release added.

P.C. Rao, Honorary President of the Bangalore Hotels Association, told reporters that while owners are reluctant to suspend service, the lack of fuel has made closures unavoidable. "Without gas, food and refreshments will not be available at the hotels starting tomorrow," Rao said. He confirmed that communications have been sent to central ministers and local members of Parliament. "Let them (government) cut (supplies) to an extent, if required. We, too, are aware of the situation and know the reasons."

Rising Costs and Political Fallout

The supply halt coincides with a significant price hike. The central government recently increased the cost of commercial LPG cylinders by ₹115 and domestic cylinders by ₹60.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah voiced deep concern over the twin issues of supply and pricing during a media briefing. He criticised the price increases as excessive, stating, "Everyone is of the opinion that this is a lot. What they are doing is not right." The Chief Minister had previously characterised the price hikes as a "direct blow" to the common man and blamed federal foreign policy for India's increased vulnerability to West Asian energy volatility.

The disruption is linked to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical transit point for roughly 60% of India's LPG imports, following the outbreak of hostilities between U.S.-Israeli forces and Iran on Feb. 28.

With inputs from PTI