MP hotels seek essential service tag as LPG supply disruptions hit operations

Indore: The Madhya Pradesh Hotel Association has urged the government to bring the hospitality sector under the ambit of the Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA), saying irregular supply of commercial LPG cylinders is creating operational challenges for hotels and restaurants across several regions of the stateThe Hotel and Restaurant Association of Western India and the Indore Hoteliers Association said the restriction on the supply of commercial LPG to hotels is affecting kitchen operations in hotels and restaurants. "The supply of commercial LPG is irregular in several regions, and this is creating operational challenges for hotels and restaurants that depend on continuous kitchen operations," said Sumit Suri, chairman of the MP committee of the Hotel and Restaurant Association of Western India and President of the Indore Hoteliers Association. Hotels with accommodation facilities, restaurants, and banquet kitchens rely heavily on commercial LPG for daily cooking operations. Industry representatives said establishments are trying to manage the situation by simplifying menus, adjusting kitchen operations, and exploring temporary alternatives to ensure services continue without major inconvenience to guests. Suri said if the situation continues for longer, operational pressure on hotels and restaurants could increase, particularly for establishments running multiple kitchens and banquet facilities. He added that the hospitality sector is a major employment generator, supporting thousands of workers, including chefs, kitchen staff, housekeeping teams, and service staff. "The industry is making every effort to ensure that employees do not suffer due to the current situation. Hotels are trying to maintain staff strength and avoid lay-offs while managing operational challenges," Suri said.