The recent order issued by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas directing oil refining companies and public sector oil marketing companies to supply liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) solely for domestic consumers has triggered widespread concern among stakeholders in the hospitality and tourism sectors. While the government’s intent may be to ensure uninterrupted access to cooking fuel for households, the blanket nature of the directive risks inflicting serious collateral damage on hotels, restaurants, small eateries, canteens and catering businesses, especially in tourism-dependent regions like Goa. LPG is the lifeline of the food service industry. From roadside eateries and small family-run restaurants to large hotels and catering services, most commercial kitchens depend heavily on LPG for daily operations. LPG shortages hit restaurants harder because they consume much more. If these businesses struggle to access cooking fuel, the ripple effects could be severe thereby disrupting services, increasing costs, and ultimately damaging Goa’s reputation as a vibrant tourist destination. Policymakers must strike a balance between protecting households and sustaining the businesses that keep India’s vibrant hospitality and tourism sectors alive.
