MANGALURU
A severe cooking gas shortage is pushing the hotel industry in Mangaluru toward a major crisis. Restaurant owners are currently struggling not only with the skyrocketing prices of commercial LPG but also with a supply chain that simply cannot meet their daily needs.
The lack of gas has forced many local eateries to change how they operate. To keep their doors open, some traditional hotels have returned to using old-fashioned wood-fired stoves. Others have been forced to cut down their menus significantly, offering only a few basic items instead of their usual full range of dishes.
Many popular spots have now moved to a “shift system” to save fuel. This means some cafes are only serving tea and coffee in the morning and simple meals at lunch, before closing early for the evening. Since they can only cook based on the number of cylinders they have on hand, dinner services in many parts of the city have been completely canceled.
“We are managing day-to-day based on what is available,” one owner shared. The struggle has left many regular customers disappointed, as their favorite spots are either closed or offering very limited food. With no immediate end to the supply issues in sight, the hotel association is worried that more businesses may have to shut down temporarily. For now, the city’s famous food scene remains under heavy pressure as owners wait for a steady supply of fuel to return.