The hoteliers of Shivamogga town are experiencing a shortage in the supply of commercial gas cylinders, owing to the conflict in West Asia between Israel and US on one side and Iran on the other. The association of hoteliers in Shivamogga is planning to convene a meeting soon to discuss the issue and take an appropriate decision, considering the prevailing situation.
A restaurant in central Bengaluru restricted its menu to tea and coffee owing to disruption in LPG supply and shortage in Bengaluru, on March 10, 2026. | Video Credit: The Hindu
In Bengaluru, some restaurants in Bengaluru are trimming their menu on account of a shortage in commercial gar cylinders. One restaurant at Shivaji Nagar, in the central business district, had put a sign saying that only tea and coffee is available, during lunch time at 1 PM. On any other day, at this time, this restaurant would be packed with customers ordering and eating dosa, rice items, or idli.
The Bengaluru Hotels’ Association, on March 9, informed that restaurant in the State capital may have to shut down if the supply is not resumed. “We also facing the heat of shortage in the supply of commercial cylinders," said P.S. Sudhakar Shetty of Mallige Idli Centre on Balaraj Urs Road in Shivamogga.
“If the price of cylinders goes up, we can somehow manage by increasing the price of food items. But, if the supply of commercial gas is stopped, how can we manage? There is no alternative. We cannot return to firewood-cooking all of a sudden," he said.
The price of commercial gas cylinders was increased recently.
Sathish Shetty, owner of Machali at Gopala Extension in Shivamogga, reported no shortage at his establishment so far, but expressed uncertainty about the future.
Aware of the severe disruption in Bengaluru and other cities, many local hoteliers have begun panic-buying cylinders, which is further straining supply agencies. A representative from a local gas agency told The Hindu that he had been inundated with calls since morning. However, he declined to provide details on the surge in demand or any supply shortfall, stating that officials had instructed agencies not to speak to the media about the current situation.
N. Gopinath, secretary of the Shivamogga Hotel Owners’ Association, clarified that the situation in Shivamogga is not yet as critical as in Bengaluru. “At present, operations are running smoothly. But we cannot be certain about supplies in the coming days. The association plans to hold a meeting soon to assess the situation,” he said.
The association has nearly 200 members, and including them, the city has around 500 eateries, encompassing hotels, restaurants, and mobile food vending units.
Curated by James Chen
