Shillong, May 2: Amid a shortage of commercial cylinders, the sudden hike in their prices after the Assembly polls has affected the tourism industry in Meghalaya as far as guest houses, hotels, home stays and restaurants are concerned.
The hoteliers have already increased the rate from May 1.
This comes after a positive press conference organised by the Press Information Bureau on April 29 on the seamless distribution of LPG cylinders.
The media briefing was held in collaboration with Meghalaya Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department and SLC Oil Marketing Company.
In contrast, the scenario has changed after the announcement of the increase in prices of commercial cylinders, though the government and the oil companies had claimed 70% supply before the hike.
The hoteliers in the city are concerned over sudden decision of the Centre.
“While we understand that there may be compulsions for the Govt. But pushing the entire burden onto the Hotels and Restaurants is very unfair. It will have a multiplying effect on the industry that was already under stress for the past 2 months”, said Paramvir S. Sehdave, President of Federation of Shillong Hotels.
The price was Rs 2330, and now it has increased to Rs 3323. Hence, food cost will go up by 15 to 20 percent, and if we do not revise the price, we shall incur losses as our margins are already under stress due to rising costs. The entire hospitality sector will suffer”, he said.
There are 60 hotels under the Federation of Hotels in East Khasi Hills and Jaintia Hills.
The Federation is planning to take up the matter through the Hotel and Restaurant Associations of India as well as the North East.
Entrepreneur and hotelier from Sohra Alan West Kharkongor said the decision is affecting everyone.
A gas agency dealer admitted that the price hike will create ‘a negative impact at this juncture’.
Picture: A man rides his scooter with cylinders (MM)
