Chennai, March 11 (NationPress) A critical deficit of commercial LPG cylinders in Tamil Nadu could lead to the closure of nearly one lakh restaurants within the next 48 hours, warns the Tamil Nadu Hotel Owners Association, urging the central government to implement immediate measures to guarantee a steady supply of cooking gas to commercial establishments.

The association's president, M. Venkatasubbu, reported that the lack of commercial cooking gas is already impacting eateries across various districts.

If this issue persists, a wide range of establishments, from large dining venues to small tea stalls, may have to cease operations.

He emphasized that the hospitality sector is a significant employer.

“Approximately 50 lakh workers rely directly on restaurants, with another 50 lakh depending on the industry indirectly. Without prompt restoration of gas supplies, the entire sector faces a crisis,” he stated.

Venkatasubbu called on the Union government to take urgent, war-like measures to ensure that commercial LPG cylinders are consistently supplied to hotels and restaurants.

He also highlighted that, even though large restaurants are classified as factories under the Factory Act, they do not benefit from the electricity tariff concessions available to industrial entities.

In light of the current shortage, he requested that the government permit restaurants to source electricity from private suppliers at reduced rates as a viable alternative.

The disruption of gas supplies is connected to the ongoing geopolitical tensions involving Iran, the United States, and Israel, which has started to affect several Tamil Nadu districts.

While the situation has remained relatively stable in areas like Chennai and Vellore as of Tuesday, tourism-oriented restaurants and hotels may begin shutting down from Wednesday if there is no improvement in gas supplies.

Reports from Villupuram and Kallakurichi indicate a notable surge in domestic LPG cylinder bookings, with delivery times extending from 21 to 25 days.

Gas suppliers have stated that cylinders are now available only for customers who have pre-ordered them.

Restaurant owners in Tiruchi, Pudukkottai, Thanjavur, Karur, Perambalur, and Ariyalur report they have enough commercial LPG cylinders for only two more days due to stalled supply trucks.

Shortages have also been observed in Tiruvannamalai and Cuddalore, where bookings for commercial cylinders have been temporarily halted.

In Coimbatore, many large restaurants have already trimmed menu options and reduced operating hours to conserve gas.

This crisis is also impacting districts including Madurai, Ramanathapuram, Dindigul, Theni, Sivaganga, and Virudhunagar, where the supply of commercial LPG cylinders has reportedly been suspended since Monday.

In the pilgrimage town of Rameswaram, nearly 90 percent of restaurants lack the means for firewood cooking, making them heavily reliant on LPG cylinders.

If gas supplies are not quickly restored, widespread closures of restaurants throughout Tamil Nadu seem unavoidable, as warned by industry representatives.