Bhatkal: A steep surge in commercial LPG cylinder prices has left hotel owners across Uttara Kannada district—including Bhatkal—reeling under pressure, pushing the hospitality sector towards a crisis and making a hike in food prices almost inevitable in the coming days.

In Bhatkal, the price of commercial cylinders has jumped sharply from around ₹2,125 to nearly ₹3,100, delivering a severe blow to hotel operators already struggling with rising input costs. Most hotels in the coastal town consume two to three cylinders daily, resulting in an additional monthly burden ranging from ₹60,000 to ₹1 lakh.

Known for offering some of the most affordable fish meals in the district, Bhatkal’s hotel industry has long thrived on competitive pricing. Meals with fish fry, currently priced at ₹90–₹100, are now likely to be revised to ₹100–₹120. “We have somehow managed to sustain our business so far, but with this unprecedented hike, increasing prices has become unavoidable,” said local hotel owner Taufeeq Beary. Another hotelier, Shahid, echoed similar concerns, stating that even a minimum hike of ₹10 per meal is necessary to stay afloat.

The crisis has also exposed supply constraints. Several hotels have reported difficulty in procuring sufficient cylinders. In response, some eateries have temporarily shifted to firewood-based cooking, preparing basic items using traditional stoves—an arrangement operators say cannot continue for long.

Hoteliers warn that prices of breakfast items such as idli, dosa, and puri are also set to increase within a week. “We need at least two to three cylinders daily. Customers have supported us so far, but sudden price hikes may affect demand. Still, we have no alternative,” a hotel owner said.

Restaurants offering Chinese, Indian, and Arabian cuisines are equally affected, as fuel costs form a major share of their daily expenditure. The situation is particularly challenging for establishments operating in rented premises, where overhead costs are already high.

Some hotels in Bhatkal have already raised prices by ₹10–₹15, while others are adopting cost-cutting measures. In a notable shift, a few eateries have stopped serving freshly prepared tea throughout the day, instead offering pre-made tea stored in thermos flasks to reduce fuel usage. The impact is now spreading to rural areas around Bhatkal, where tea and snack prices are also expected to rise soon.

Across Uttara Kannada district, the ripple effects are already visible. In Sirsi, food prices have increased by nearly 10 percent. In Dandeli and Haliyal, rates have gone up by ₹5 to ₹10, while in Ankola, meal prices have risen from ₹100 to ₹120 in some places. Yellapur and Siddapur are also likely to see similar hikes shortly.

In Kumta, cylinder prices have crossed ₹3,100, coupled with supply shortages, pushing the hotel sector into deeper distress. In tourist hubs like Gokarna, luxury hotels have already revised tariffs, while smaller eateries are still trying to hold prices steady. However, in some areas, cylinder shortages have forced hotels to temporarily shut down or discontinue select food items.

The hotel industry in Uttara Kannada, which supports thousands of livelihoods and serves as a backbone for daily food needs of workers, students, travellers, and middle-class families, is now under significant strain. With prices expected to rise, the burden will directly fall on consumers, particularly low-income groups.

Overall, the sharp increase in commercial LPG prices has pushed the district’s hotel industry into a serious crisis, with hotels and tea canteens among the worst affected. While some areas have already implemented price hikes, others are expected to follow soon, depending on decisions taken by local hotel associations in the coming days.