More than half of Mumbai’s restaurants could close shop this week due to gas supply problems, with suppliers linking the shortage to the conflict in the Middle East.
The Indian Hotel & Restaurant Association (AHAR), Mumbai’s main hotel association, said around 20% of the city’s hotels have been closed so far due to gas supply issues, as reported by India Today.
If supply problems continue, up to 50% of hotels in India’s financial capital could be closed in the next two days, the association warned.
The number of operational hotels will depend on how much gas each facility has, AHAR said.
However, it added that the association has not taken any official decision to close the hotels and the decision to stay open or close shop will be up to individual hotel owners.
AHAR is writing to the Petroleum Ministry seeking action
Earlier on Monday, AHAR wrote a letter to the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, alerting it to “significant operational challenges for many facilities in the hospitality sector”.
“Despite being a basic operational requirement for restaurants and hotels, it is becoming increasingly difficult to obtain commercial cylinders through the proper channels,” AHAR said in its open letter.
The association also called on the authorities to urgently address the matter – “Your timely intervention will go a long way in helping the thousands of restaurants and hospitality establishments that rely on uninterrupted gas supply for their day-to-day operations,” AHAR said.
(This is a developing story. Check back for updates)
