Mysuru Hotel Owners Association to decide on hotel rates revision after reviewing business

Mysuru: Mysuru Hotel Owners Association President C. Narayanagowda has urged the State Government to immediately withdraw the recent Rs. 8 per litre hike in milk prices, warning that it would severely affect the hotel industry.

He, however, clarified that hotels in Mysuru would not increase the prices of food items, snacks or meals for now.

The Association would review business conditions throughout November and take a decision on any price revision in December. Small hotels and roadside vendors, however, were free to take their own decisions on prices, he said.

Speaking at a press conference at the Association’s office in Krishnamurthypuram on Oct. 31, he questioned the repeated price hikes that were placing an additional burden on the hotel industry, which employs people irrespective of caste, religion or educational qualifications.

He said, the industry, which contributes to economic growth, generates employment and provides a market for agricultural produce, was already facing several challenges.

Rs. 17 per litre in three years

Rising cooking gas prices due to the ongoing war, fluctuations in the prices of sugar, jaggery, rice, onions and vegetables, shortage of skilled workers, increasing wages, higher electricity and water charges and rising municipal taxes had all added to the industry’s difficulties.

Milk prices had increased by nearly Rs. 17 per litre over the past three years and the latest hike of Rs. 8 per litre had dealt another blow to hotel owners, he said. The increase would also push up the prices of dairy products such as curd, ghee and paneer, eventually burdening consumers.

While protecting farmers’ interests was the Government’s responsibility, he said, compensation for crop losses caused by drought and fair prices for sugarcane were among the measures needed to support them. Instead of raising milk prices suddenly in the name of helping farmers, the Government should provide them direct financial assistance or subsidies, he suggested.

Hotel Owners’ Charitable Trust President Ravi Shastri, Vice-President Ugraiah and Executive Committee Members Mahesh Kamath and K.S. Arun were present during the press conference.