The hospitality sector in Mysuru is facing significant challenges following a sharp increase in the price of commercial LPG cylinders, compounded by inadequate supply. As a result, hotel owners in the Heritage city have already raised food prices by approximately 10 percent over the past two months, and further hikes are expected to push costs up by a total of 15 percent.
Impact on Hotel Industry
The price hike has severely affected small and medium-sized hotels, which rely heavily on LPG for cooking. Many establishments have been forced to revise their menu prices to offset the rising operational expenses. According to hoteliers, the cost of a commercial cylinder has increased by nearly 20 percent in recent months, straining their budgets.
Supply Shortages Add to Woes
In addition to the price surge, hotels are grappling with irregular supplies of LPG cylinders. This has led to disruptions in kitchen operations, with some hotels having to limit their menu or reduce service hours. The shortage is particularly acute during peak tourist seasons, further impacting revenue.
The Mysuru Hotel Owners Association has urged the state government to intervene and ensure adequate supply at reasonable rates. They have warned that without immediate relief, more hotels may be forced to increase prices or even shut down.
Consumer Impact
For customers, the price hike means paying more for their favorite dishes. A typical meal that cost INR 200 a few months ago now costs around INR 230. Regular patrons have expressed concern over the rising cost of dining out, with some opting to eat at home more often.
However, hoteliers emphasize that the increase is unavoidable given the input cost pressures. They hope that the situation will stabilize once the supply chain issues are resolved and prices return to normal levels.
Government Response
The Karnataka government has taken note of the issue and is in talks with oil marketing companies to streamline LPG distribution. Officials have assured that steps will be taken to prevent hoarding and ensure fair pricing. Meanwhile, the hospitality sector continues to bear the brunt of the crisis, with many businesses operating on thin margins.
