Andhra Hotels Face Looming Gas Shortage Amid Gulf Tensions

Hotels across Andhra Pradesh are facing a threat of commercial cooking gas shortage as tensions between Israel and Iran disrupt Gulf supplies. In response, the State’s hotel associations formed a Joint Action Committee (JAC) to tackle the crisis and protect the hospitality sector.

In an emergency meeting on Thursday, members discussed how long hotels might have to remain closed without alternative gas sources. They agreed to enforce strict measures to conserve fuel. R.V. Swamy, State president of the Andhra Pradesh Star Hotels’ Association, said star hotels may soon stop accepting online orders through Zomato and Swiggy. Restaurants will also remain closed on Mondays to save gas.

Swamy warned that Andhra Pradesh could face a situation like Karnataka, where some hotels served only tea and coffee. The associations urged the government to restrict restaurant and street food operations to 10 p.m. They also requested an enforcement mechanism to prevent black marketing of gas cylinders. Members plan to meet Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and Civil Supplies Minister Nadendla Manohar to demand regular commercial gas supply and protect hospitality workers’ livelihoods.

The shortage has already forced many tiffin centres, restaurants, and small hotels in Vijayawada and Visakhapatnam to shut down. Popular outlets such as Good Morning tiffin centre and Bawarchi restaurant remained closed. Some eateries along Beach Road and Old Gajuwaka switched to traditional cooking methods like firewood.

Gas agencies have stopped accepting new commercial cylinder bookings. Domestic LPG deliveries are also delayed beyond the usual two to three days. Many business owners are now securing extra cylinders to avoid further disruptions.

The Hotel Merchants’ Association of Visakhapatnam urged the district administration to ensure an uninterrupted commercial LPG supply. Officials have promised to take all possible steps to ease the situation.