Bhubaneswar: In the present juncture Odisha Catering Industry facing tough time due to the non availability of commercial LPG cylinder, largely impacted by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

More than 2000 catering establishments are operating across the State, and more than one lakh of workers dependent on this sector are now facing uncertainty.

Earlier in this context the Catering Association Of Odisha (CAO) met the Minister of the Food Supplies & Consumer Welfare Department Krushna Chandra Patra and were assured of an early resolution. However, the situation remains same.

The industry had already suffered heavy losses 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, informed CAO President Binaya Bhusan Patnaik in  Press Meet here on Sunday. 

On one hand, the Government has stated 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. At present 

It has become extremely difficult for business owners to continue operations and support the livelihoods of their employees and their families,  informed CAO Secretary Debi Prasad Rath. 

If the situation is not resolved immediately, the  Catering Association Of Odisha 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.

The press conference was attended by the President Binaya Bhusan Pattnaik, Secretary Debi Prasad Rath , Chairman Anup Kumar Bagaei, Pattern Naba Ranjan Pattnaik, Treasurer M Jayprasad Rao, Advisor Prabodh Kumar Das and other key members of the Catering Association Of Odisha.

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