Buying full cylinders in the black has become the easiest way for Pokhara hotels to cope with the ongoing fuel and gas shortage. Despite the high price, hotel operators are turning to this option to meet their daily need. However, locals are now concerned over the market running out of stock entirely."We have no choice as refilling is not an option," said one hotel operator.
According to him, the hotel has been paying over Rs 5,000 per cylinder when it should have been available at only Rs 4000.
"We are putting up with such high prices as our customers' needs have to be met," he said.
Most restaurants and hotels in Pokhara have been copng with the gas shortage in this fashion. Buying new cylinders in the black is becoming common among entrepreneurs in the tourist area.
Another hotel in Pokhara has accumulated 90 cylinders. According to the hotel owner, they had only 60 empty cylinders two months back.
"The situation began to worsen after the Indian blockade. Without any other option left, we had to buy additional new cylinders," said the hotel owner. "Burning firewood for cooking was not sustainable," he added.
Meanwhile, Som Bahadur Thapa, chairperson of Pokhara Tourist Council, said hoteliers buying new cylinders at high prices are shooting themselves in the foot.
"First of all, new cylinders are more costly and the money spent on them is money that becomes frozen. The cylinders become useless after they are empty," said Thapa.
"I suggest people not depend on the black market," he added.
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