Several more restaurants suspend operations as LPG shortage continues in Vijayawada

Vijayawada: As shortage of commercial LPG cylinders continues to trouble hotels and restaurants across the city, representatives of hotel associations indicated that more food establishments are likely to suspend operations by Sunday if the shortage persists."Several big restaurants and a few other prominent chains have already suspending their operations since Thursday. A panic situation continues to prevail among restaurateurs over the supply of commercial cylinders, and it is expected that nearly 15 more big restaurants will close down if the current situation continues in the city," RV Swamy, president of AP Star Hotels Association, told STOI.Swamy said despite LPG shortage, restaurants are trying to tide over the crisis by preparing food at their respective residences and transporting it to their establishments to serve customers for the last three days. However, restaurant owners are now left with no gas supplies and are facing an imminent forced shutdown of their businesses."The govt is scheduled to hold a high-level meeting with hotel association representatives on Monday, during which we are looking forward to getting a positive response regarding the supply of commercial gas cylinders. Our request to the govt is to ensure at least 50% supply of commercial cylinders to keep businesses afloat instead of a complete shutdown," Swamy further said, adding that ensuring 50% gas supply would enable hoteliers to operate with reduced menu items.While authorities assert that the situation is under control, Swamy said the ground reality remains grim for hoteliers, as nearly 50% of hotels and restaurants have already suspended operations in Nellore, Tirupati, Guntur, and other places and more are like to follow the same path in the coming days.