Goa Caterers Face Crisis as Commercial LPG Cylinder Shortage Hits Peak Wedding Season
The catering industry in Goa is grappling with a severe crisis due to a critical shortage of commercial LPG cylinders, prompting urgent calls for government intervention. The Goa Catering Association held a press conference on Tuesday to highlight the dire situation, which is forcing many caterers to refuse new orders and contemplate business closures.
Industry Leaders Sound Alarm Over Operational Halt
Sudesh Bhingi, President of the Goa Catering Association, addressed the media alongside key office bearers including Rohit Naik, Mohammed Shaikh, Abhijit Teli, Deepa Shirgaonkar, Vignesh Gaonkar, Girish Desai, and Vaibhav Kanekar. Bhingi emphasized that immediate government assistance is essential, as numerous caterers have already suspended accepting new bookings.
"This is the peak season for events and weddings, and we have taken advance payments from clients with commitments to deliver. However, the situation has become untenable due to the unavailability of gas cylinders required for cooking," Bhingi stated. He revealed that caterers have discontinued live counters serving items like jalebi and fried snacks, which consume substantial fuel, and now even routine catering services are at risk.
Financial Strain and Threat of Business Closures
The shortage is exacerbating financial pressures on caterers, who must cover ongoing expenses such as workers' wages and operational costs. Bhingi warned that without resolution, many businesses face the grim prospect of shutting down entirely. "The industry is in a very critical condition. We appeal to the government to support us during this time," he added, underscoring the urgency of the matter.
Previous Appeals Yield No Concrete Results
Last week, the association submitted a formal memorandum to Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, outlining their grievances and seeking immediate action. Despite receiving assurances from the chief minister, the caterers report that no tangible steps have been taken to address the cylinder shortage, leaving them in a precarious position as the wedding season peaks.
The association's plea highlights broader concerns about supply chain disruptions and their impact on local businesses, urging swift government measures to stabilize LPG availability and prevent further economic fallout in Goa's catering sector.
