Bhubaneswar: Odisha catering industry is facing a tough time due to the non-availability of commercial LPG cylinders, largely impacted by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. More than 2000 catering establishments operating across the State and more than one lakh workers dependent on this sector are now facing uncertainty, said members of Catering Association of Odisha (CAO) here on Sunday.
Addressing a press meet, CAO President Binaya Bhusan Patnaik said the industry had already suffered heavy loss during the COVID-19 pandemic. At present, the acute shortage of Commercial LPG cylinders has further worsened the situation. In particular, the non-availability of commercial (19 kg) cylinders has forced many catering units to shut down their operations, he added.
Earlier, the CAO members had met Minister of Food Supplies & Consumer Welfare Krushna Chandra Patra and were assured of an early resolution. However, the situation remains same, he informed.
On one hand, the government has been saying through media that there is no shortage of LPG cylinders. However, on the other hand, most gas agencies across the State are reportedly unable to supply cylinders. This contradiction has created confusion among business owners, said CAO Chairman Anup Kumar Bagai.
At present, caterers are facing a dual challenge, Risk of legal action if domestic (14 kg) cylinders are used for commercial purposes, in the acute shortage of commercial (19 kg) cylinders. It has become extremely difficult for business owners to continue operations and support the livelihoods of their employees and their families, said CAO Secretary Debi Prasad Rath.
If the situation is not resolved immediately, the Association has warned that it will be compelled to launch an agitation along with their families. The Association strongly urges the government to take immediate and effective measures to resolve the issue and support the catering industry.
Among others, Naba Ranjan Pattnaik, M Jayprasad Rao, Prabodh Kumar Das and other key members of the association were present.
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