Hotels seek urgent relief as LPG crisis deepens in Vijayawada

Vijayawada: Amid a worsening shortage of commercial LPG cylinders, a delegation from the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of the Vijayawada Hotels Association and AP Star Hotels Association met civil supplies director Nupur Ajay Kumar in the city on Tuesday, seeking immediate intervention to prevent disruption to food services.The delegation said the hospitality sector had been facing an acute shortage for the past ten days, affecting day-to-day operations. The meeting followed directions from Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu to officials to prioritise LPG supply to the hospitality sector. Officials told the representatives that the currently available 30–40% gas supply would be distributed equitably among establishments, from small eateries to star hotels, based on past consumption patterns.To manage the situation, the govt is considering restrictions similar to the Covid period, including early closure of hotels, restaurants and street food outlets by 10:00 PM to conserve fuel. Authorities have also advised hotels to shift to alternative cooking methods such as charcoal-based tandoori items and traditional wood-fired stoves, including for dishes such as biryani. High gas-consuming items, particularly Chinese cuisine, may be temporarily restricted.Officials said plans were also being considered for zonal weekly holidays, with staggered closures across different areas. A formal Govt Order (G.O.), aligned with guidelines from Union minister Hardeep Singh Puri, is expected soon.JAC leaders RV Swamy and Ramana Rao said a complete shutdown could lead to loss of workforce, particularly migrant staff. They said that even with 20–30% supply, establishments were committed to continuing services, and the committee assured cooperation with the govt.