Guwahati, March 16: The hospitality sector in Assam is facing a looming operational crisis as a severe shortage of commercial LPG cylinders threatens to force restaurants and hotels to shut down within days, the All Assam Restaurant Association (AARA) warned on Monday.

Addressing a press conference in Guwahati, the association said the ongoing scarcity of commercial LPG has badly disrupted the daily operations of restaurants, hotels and eateries across the state, most of which depend entirely on LPG for cooking.

AARA urged Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma to intervene urgently and ensure the immediate restoration of LPG supply to the hospitality sector.

According to the association, the shortage has been compounded by disruptions in global energy supply chains amid tensions in West Asia and the reported closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which has affected LPG availability. While domestic cooking gas supply has reportedly been stabilised by the government, commercial establishments say they are struggling to procure cylinders.

AARA vice president Atul Lahkar said many restaurants in Assam are already facing severe losses due to the crisis.

“We are appealing to Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma to take immediate initiative. Because of the war involving Iran, Israel and the United States, we have suffered badly due to the LPG shortage. Our cylinders have already finished, and many restaurants are struggling to operate,” Lahkar said.

He warned that if the situation persists, a large number of establishments may be forced to shut down within the next few days.

“We have almost closed our restaurants. If the supply does not resume within one or two days, many establishments may have to shut down completely. The government must take necessary steps quickly,” he added.

The association also pointed out that the prioritisation of domestic LPG supply under the recent LPG Control Order has further reduced the availability of commercial cylinders, leaving the hospitality sector in uncertainty.

Restaurant owners said the prolonged shortage is already affecting business operations and livelihoods in the sector, urging the state government to step in with urgent measures to ensure a steady supply of commercial LPG cylinders.

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