Bengaluru: The hospitality sector has appealed to authorities to ensure a minimum supply of piped natural gas (PNG) so that hotels and restaurants can continue operating during the ongoing global disruptions affecting energy availability.
The Indian Hotel & Restaurant Association said the industry understands the challenges created by the current international situation but warned that a complete halt in gas supply would severely affect operations across the sector.
In a statement, the association said businesses might be able to cope with a reduction in PNG supply to some extent. According to industry representatives, establishments could attempt to manage operations even if the supply is reduced by around 25 per cent. However, they emphasised that a total suspension of supply would leave restaurants and hotels unable to function.
Hospitality operators explained that cooking fuel is a critical requirement for daily services, and most establishments depend heavily on PNG for preparing food. Without access to the fuel, restaurants would be forced to suspend services, which could lead to widespread closures.
The association has therefore urged the authorities to intervene and ensure that at least a basic level of supply continues to reach the hospitality sector. It said maintaining even a limited flow of gas would allow businesses to remain operational during the challenging period.
Industry leaders also highlighted the impact on employment if restaurants and hotels are forced to shut down. The hospitality sector provides jobs to a large workforce, including chefs, kitchen staff, service personnel and other support employees.
A prolonged disruption in fuel supply, they warned, could threaten the livelihoods of thousands of workers who rely on the industry for their income. Many small and mid-sized establishments may also struggle financially if they are unable to operate for extended periods.
The association reiterated that its request is aimed at balancing the broader supply challenges with the need to keep essential service businesses running. Ensuring minimum gas availability, it said, would help sustain operations while protecting both businesses and workers during the ongoing crisis.
