On Friday, the Union Government raised the price of 19-kg commercial cooking gas cylinders by ₹993, bringing the cost to nearly ₹3,315 per cylinder in cities like Hyderabad, attributed to rising global energy prices amid the West Asia conflict.
“Starting May 1st, the price per cylinder has jumped by ₹993, causing tremendous strain on the hotel and restaurant sector…Hotel owners are facing substantial losses due to rising input costs…we have no alternative but to increase menu prices by up to 10%,” stated association president R V Swamy in a press release.
Highlighting the rising operational expenses, he noted that commercial gas prices have cumulatively risen by nearly ₹1,303 in just three months.
He mentioned that not only LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) users, but also those relying on Piped Natural Gas (PNG), are experiencing added financial pressure due to fluctuations in the global energy market.
Since gas is the primary fuel for the hospitality sector, the soaring prices are making daily operations increasingly unfeasible.
In addition to fuel expenses, Swamy pointed out that the industry is contending with the escalating costs of essential commodities, particularly edible oils and provisions.
He noted the increase in sunflower oil prices, alongside the rising costs of pulses and vegetables, further exacerbated by expensive packaging materials.
Swamy also highlighted that the costs for materials used in takeaway and delivery services have been consistently increasing.
Calling upon the government for swift intervention, he urged authorities to provide tax concessions or subsidies to support the hospitality sector.
He also appealed to customers to understand the situation and cooperate as the industry works to uphold quality standards despite the financial pressures.
(Edited by : Srabastee Biswas)
