Namakkal Hotel Owners Warn of Imminent Shutdown Due to Severe LPG Shortage
Hotel owners in Namakkal district submitted an urgent petition to Collector Durga Moorthy on Thursday, demanding immediate action to address the critical shortage of commercial LPG cylinders. The delegation, led by Namakkal District Hotel Owners' Association President Ramkumar and Secretary Arul Murugan, warned that if the situation persists, hotels across the district may be forced to close within three days.
Escalating Crisis Threatens Over 500 Restaurants
More than 500 restaurants operating in Namakkal district are facing severe operational challenges due to the LPG shortage. "Gas agencies are demanding up to Rs 2,000 more per cylinder," stated Ramkumar, highlighting the financial strain on hotel businesses. The association emphasized that this crisis extends beyond hospitality, potentially disrupting the supply chain for essential goods, including vegetables brought by traders who rely on these establishments.
Parallel Fuel Concerns Emerge in Salem Region
Meanwhile, the Salem region, encompassing Krishnagiri, Dharmapuri, Namakkal, and Salem districts, witnessed extensive queues at petrol pumps as motorists rushed to fill their tanks. This region hosts over 1,200 petrol pumps operated by major oil corporations: Hindustan Petroleum, Indian Oil Corporation, and Bharat Petroleum Corporation. Specifically, Namakkal district has 210 functioning petrol bunks.
A reliable source explained that fuel is transported via tanker trucks from key storage points: the Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited facility in Dharmapuri, the Indian Oil Corporation storage point at Sankari in Salem, and the Bharat Petroleum Corporation storage point in Karur. Despite the visible queues, oil companies have maintained that there is no current shortage of fuel.
Official Statements and Regional Context
An official from the Indian Oil Corporation provided context, noting, "With more than 30% of the people in Salem region using electric scooters and electric cars, the remaining 70% of the motorists could operate their vehicles without the fear of fuel shortage." This statement aims to reassure the public, though the immediate reality at petrol pumps suggests heightened consumer anxiety.
The dual crises in Namakkal and Salem underscore broader supply chain vulnerabilities in the region. The hotel owners' petition calls for war-footing measures to resolve the LPG shortage, emphasizing its potential impact on local economy and daily life. As authorities assess the situation, stakeholders await decisive action to prevent widespread disruptions in hospitality and transportation sectors.
