Hoteliers worried about crisis

KOCHI: The strike call by the bullet tankers carrying LPG products for Indian Oil Corporation has  left hoteliers in the city concerned about  gas shortage.Even though many of the hoteliers have gas cylinders stocked up for few more days, the strike would increase food prices in all the hotels.When City Express spoke to the hoteliers, many of them expressed concern over the issue. “The agencies provide gas cylinders at a rate of Rs 1282, with another Rs 65 charged from us as commission.At present we don’t have any gas shortage. But if the strike continues, it may affect us. We will then raise food prices to earn some profit,”, says Hashim, a hotel owner near North overbridge.Kerala Hotel Association General Secretary Jose Mohan says, “For the time being there is no chance of a shortage hitting the hotels in the district. But if the problem persists, the hoteliers will face a severe crisis. We hope the IOC will take neccassary steps soon.”Saleem, another hotel owner, believes that the agencies would be induced to take action because of the commission they get from commercial customers.“The agencies won’t delay our supply, even if they have to compromise with the household connections. But the commission they extract is quite unbearable” Salem said.