Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (TP)

Udupi, Mar 10: Hotels in Udupi are grappling with severe uncertainty due to disruptions in the supply of commercial cooking gas. While no establishments have shut down yet, hoteliers fear the situation could become critical if the supply of LPG cylinders does not normalize immediately.

A reality check conducted at hotels near the Sri Krishna Math revealed that the supply of commercial LPG cylinders has been irregular since Monday. Many establishments are currently managing with existing stocks; however, several cylinders are reportedly only half-full, raising concerns that reserves will be depleted shortly.

Hotel owners noted that tourists visiting Udupi, particularly those around the temple area, depend heavily on local eateries. "Thousands of devotees visit the temple daily. If the supply issue persists and hotels are forced to close, it will create immense difficulty for tourists and the city's migrant worker population," a hotelier stated.

The disruption has caused widespread anxiety, as Udupi is one of the most prominent pilgrimage and tourist destinations in coastal Karnataka. Operators expressed apprehension that the situation may reach a breaking point within the next 48 hours if fresh supplies are not received.

Speaking on the crisis, hotelier Krishnamoorthy Acharya said, “The ongoing conflict has directly hit our operations. We require at least two to three LPG cylinders daily to keep running. We are currently waiting for deliveries, and without them, we will be forced to shut down. This disruption severely impacts the middle class and small canteen owners who rely on daily earnings. In 50 years, we have never faced such a situation. We urge the Prime Minister and the government to intervene and ensure an uninterrupted supply.”