Panaji: Goa’s tourism industry is facing an unexpected challenge as several restaurants may be forced to shut operations due to a shortage of commercial cooking gas cylinders triggered by supply disruptions linked to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant told reporters late Tuesday that he will discuss the issue with Union Minister for Petroleum Hardeep Singh Puri.
It is a concern for the tourism industry. We will try to resolve the problem as soon as possible: Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant.
State Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte said the government is monitoring the situation, as a continued shortage of commercial cooking gas could lead to the shutdown of restaurants and adversely affect the tourism industry.
He said the issue has already been raised with the Chief Minister, who is likely to call a meeting of stakeholders, including gas companies.
It is a global situation and we can only hope that the situation normalises soon: Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte.
Goa has more than 3,000 registered restaurants, which form the backbone of the tourism industry.
BJP MLA Michael Lobo, who represents the Calangute tourism belt, said that if the shortage continues, nearly 50 per cent of the restaurants in the state could close by Wednesday evening.
Commercial cooking gas is essential for every restaurant. If there is no supply, they will have no other option but to shut down: MLA Michael Lobo.
Gaurish Dhond, President of the Goa Hotel and Restaurant Association, said that besides restaurants, beach shacks are also likely to be affected due to the shortage.
He said members have been advised to adopt measures such as curtailing menus and using methods to save gas to ensure that restaurants remain operational.
We are also encouraging members to use electric gadgets in place of LPG: Gaurish Dhond.
He added that since the crisis is global in nature, the state government has limited control over the situation.
Meanwhile, a senior official from the State Civil Supplies Department said special measures have been initiated to ensure there is no hoarding of cylinders.
He said a meeting will also be held with gas companies to assess the exact stock available in the market.
