A recent hike in commercial LPG cylinder prices has drawn sharp criticism from small hotel iers across Goa, who say it comes amid an acute shortage of cylinders, com pounding the impact on their businesses. Hotel and eatery owners described the situation as a double blow, with rising costs and irregular supply disrupting daily operations and forcing difficult choices. “We are already facing a shortage of cylinders for the past few weeks. Sometimes we don’t know if we will get the next refill on time,” said Pradeep Naik, a small hotel owner from Margao. “Now with the price hike, our expenses have gone up further. It is becoming very difficult to manage.” Hoteliers said LPG is critical to operations, with some reducing menu items or limiting cooking during peak hours due to uncer tainty in supply. “On some days, we are forced to cut down on cer tain dishes because we don’t want to run out of gas in the middle of service,” said Remedious Fernandes, who runs a family-owned eatery. “Customers don’t under stand the situation and it affects our reputation.” They also said rising costs are squeezing already thin margins. “We cannot keep absorbing these costs forever,” said Suresh Shet. “If this continues, we will have to increase our pric es. But increasing prices means losing customers, especially in a competitive market like Goa.” Owners pointed to incon sistent supply chains and delays, with some forced into costly alternatives. “There is no clarity on when cylinders will be available,” said a hotel owner who did not wish to be named. “We are constantly calling suppliers and waiting. It is affecting our planning and business.” Hoteliers have urged authorities to streamline supply and reconsider the price hike until availability improves. “The government needs to understand the ground reality,” said Naik. “Small businesses like ours are already under stress. This kind of increase at such a time is very unfair.” They warned that con tinued shortages and rising costs could impact small businesses, jobs and the broader hospitality sector in Goa.
LPG PRICE HIKE ADDS TO WOES OF GOA’S SMALL HOTELIERS
