Shimla, March 12 -- An acute LPG shortage in Shimla is threatening the city's vibrant tourism industry, forcing hotels to cancel weddings and large events. As the disruption stems from the ongoing crisis in West Asia, industry leaders warn that if gas supplies are not restored soon, the impact could jeopardise the livelihoods of workers and the overall economy in Himachal Pradesh's capital.

According to representatives of the hotel and tourism sector, the shortage has intensified amid the ongoing crisis in Iran and the wider Middle East, which has disrupted LPG availability across several parts of the country.

Mohinder Seth, President of the Shimla Hotel and Tourism Stakeholders Association, said hotels in the hill city are struggling t...