LPG Shortages Force Restaurant Closures, Threaten Kerala Tourism
A severe shortage of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) is causing widespread disruption in Kerala, India, forcing approximately 40% of restaurants to close and prompting hotels to restructure their menus. The crisis is raising concerns about the impact on the region’s vital tourism sector.
The LPG scarcity has led to a scramble for supplies, with reports of individuals hoarding cylinders. Authorities in Thiruvananthapuram are preparing to form squads to address the issue of hoarding, according to News18 Malayalam.
Many restaurants are being forced to limit their offerings, with some removing popular items like fried chicken and porotta from their menus due to the difficulty and expense of sourcing LPG. Manorama Online reported that establishments are struggling to manage costs amid the shortage.
The crisis extends beyond restaurants, with the tourism sector expressing significant concern. Kerala Travel Mart has warned that the LPG shortage is putting the industry in crisis. Hotels are also being forced to adapt, restructuring menus to cope with the limited availability of fuel. The New Indian Express reported that hotels are actively revising their menus in response to the LPG crisis.
The situation highlights the vulnerability of Kerala’s hospitality industry to fluctuations in fuel supply and underscores the need for alternative energy solutions. The Economic Times reported that the shortage has already led to the closure of around 40% of restaurants in the state.
