Commercial LPG Cylinder Shortage Himachal Pradesh: Hotels warn of Kitchen shutdowns, FOHHRA writes to Centre
Shimla/ Manali, March 11,
Concerns are mounting in Himachal Pradesh’s hospitality sector over the shortage and irregular supply of commercial LPG cylinders, with industry representatives warning that the situation could disrupt hotel and restaurant operations if supplies are not restored soon.
The Federation of Himachal Hotels and Restaurant Association (FOHHRA) has written to Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, urging immediate intervention to ensure uninterrupted supply of commercial LPG cylinders, particularly in tourism-dependent states such as Himachal Pradesh.
In a letter dated March 9, 2026, the association stated that hotels, restaurants, dhabas and catering establishments depend heavily on commercial LPG cylinders for day-to-day cooking and food preparation. Any disruption in supply directly affects their ability to operate efficiently and serve tourists and local residents.
The association pointed out that the shortage and irregular supply of commercial LPG in the market has become a growing concern for the hospitality industry. According to the representation, ongoing geopolitical tensions and disruptions in LPG supplies from Gulf countries may affect the availability and timely distribution of LPG in India.
Himachal Pradesh, a major tourist destination where tourism sustains the livelihood of thousands of families, could be particularly vulnerable to such disruptions. During peak tourist seasons the demand for food services increases substantially, and any shortage of commercial LPG cylinders could create serious operational difficulties for hospitality establishments across the state.
Notably, the hospitality sector in Himachal Pradesh had already suffered significant losses last year due to excessive rainfall and disaster-related disruptions, particularly in tourist hubs such as Manali and surrounding regions. Many hotels and restaurants faced cancellations, infrastructure damage and a sharp fall in tourist arrivals. Industry stakeholders now fear that the emerging LPG supply shortfall could further aggravate financial stress on businesses that are still recovering from last year’s losses.
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Meanwhile, ground reports indicate that the shortage is already being felt at some hospitality establishments in the state. A senior functionary of a hotel in the Manali region told HimachalScape that commercial LPG supplies have become extremely irregular in recent days.
“Massive shortfall, no supply and we are having to move to inductions, shutting one of our restaurants as well as reducing the menu. It’s a bad situation,” the management representative said, indicating that operational adjustments are already being made to manage the crisis.
To verify the situation, HimachalScape contacted a local LPG distributor, Himalaya Gas, seeking clarification on the supply position, but the dealer declined to comment on the matter. Attempts were also made to reach concerned field officers of Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) for their response on the reported shortage; however, no response was received till the time of filing this report.
The hospitality association has urged the Union government to take urgent steps to stabilise the supply chain and ensure adequate allocation of commercial LPG cylinders to tourism-oriented states like Himachal Pradesh so that hotels and restaurants can continue their services without disruption.
FOHHRA President Gajendra Chand Thakur, in the letter, expressed hope that the matter would receive urgent consideration in the interest of the hospitality industry and the tourism economy of the state.
Copies of the representation have also been sent to the Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh and national hotel industry bodies seeking coordinated intervention to address the emerging supply challenge.
However, despite growing concerns from the hospitality sector and attempts by HimachalScape to seek clarification from officials, the stand of the Central government on the reported shortage of commercial LPG cylinders remains unclear, as no official statement has been issued so far.
About the Author
The HimachalScape Bureau comprises seasoned journalists from Himachal Pradesh with over 25 years of experience in leading media conglomerates such as The Times of India and United News of India. Known for their in-depth regional insights, the team brings credible, research-driven, and balanced reportage on Himachal’s socio-political and developmental landscape.