Panaji, March 11 Goa's tourism industry is facing an unexpected challenge as several restaurants fear closure due to concerns over the shortage of commercial cooking gas cylinders, caused by supply disruptions linked to the conflict in West Asia.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant told reporters late Tuesday night that he will discuss the issue with the Union Petroleum Minister.
"This is a concern for the tourism industry. We will try to resolve the problem as soon as possible," he said.
Goa has more than 3,000 registered restaurants, which are the backbone of the state's tourism industry.
BJP MLA Michael Lobo, who represents the Calangute tourism belt in North Goa, claimed that if the shortage continues, 50 per cent of the restaurants in the coastal state would be closed by Wednesday evening.
Commercial cooking gas is essential for every restaurant; if there is no supply, then they will have no other way than to shut down, he told reporters.
State Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte said they are monitoring the situation as a continued shortage of commercial cooking gas will result in the shutdown of restaurants, adversely affecting the tourism industry.
The issue has already been raised with CM Sawant, who is likely to call a meeting of the stakeholders, including the gas companies, he told reporters on Wednesday morning.
"This is a global situation, and we can only hope that the situation normalises soon," the minister added.
Goa Hotel and Restaurant Association president Gaurish Dhond told