Kerala hotels shut down for 24 hours as restaurant association protests sharp LPG price hike impacting hospitality sector.
Hotels, restaurants, bakeries, and canteens across Kerala remained closed on Tuesday as part of a statewide strike called by the Kerala Hotel and Restaurant Association, protesting a steep rise in commercial LPG cylinder prices.
The 24-hour shutdown disrupted food services across the state, with industry representatives warning of a deepening crisis in the hospitality sector.
Industry Protests Steep Price Increase
According to the Kerala Hotel and Restaurant Association, the recent hike of nearly ₹993 in commercial LPG prices has significantly increased operational costs for hotels and eateries.
Following the revision, the price of a 19-kg commercial LPG cylinder has reportedly reached around ₹3,085, placing additional financial strain on businesses already dealing with rising expenses.
Association leaders said the sudden increase has made it increasingly difficult for small and medium establishments to sustain operations.
Widespread Shutdown Across State
The strike saw widespread participation across Kerala, affecting:
- Restaurants and roadside eateries
- Bakeries and cafes
- Hotel dining services
- Institutional canteens
Customers in cities like Kochi and other urban centres faced inconvenience as food outlets remained shut throughout the day.
Sector Facing Mounting Challenges
Industry representatives noted that the hospitality sector has been under pressure due to multiple factors, including:
- Rising inflation and input costs
- Increased rental expenses
- Higher employee wages
They added that the LPG price hike has further compounded the situation, pushing many businesses toward financial distress.
LPG Shortage Adds to Crisis
Apart from the price increase, hotel owners also flagged an ongoing shortage of LPG cylinders in several parts of Kerala.
According to the association, this has forced many establishments to scale down operations, with reports suggesting that less than 50% of hotels are functioning normally in certain areas.
Protest Actions Across Kerala
As part of the agitation, members of the Kerala Hotel and Restaurant Association organised:
- Protest marches
- Sit-in demonstrations
- Gatherings outside offices of petroleum companies and central institutions
The association warned that the protest could intensify if the government does not address their concerns.
Demand for Government Intervention
Industry leaders have urged the Centre to reconsider the LPG price hike and provide relief to the hospitality sector.
They argued that without immediate intervention, many small and medium-scale operators could face closure, leading to job losses and economic disruption.
Timing of Price Hike Raises Concerns
The latest increase in LPG prices has drawn criticism from various quarters, particularly as it came shortly after the conclusion of Assembly elections in several states.
Hotel owners said the timing has added to public dissatisfaction and increased the burden on both businesses and consumers.
Impact on Consumers
The shutdown and rising costs are expected to have a ripple effect on consumers, including:
- Higher food prices in the coming weeks
- Reduced availability of affordable dining options
- Potential service disruptions if the crisis continues
Hospitality Sector at a Crossroads
The statewide shutdown highlights the growing concerns within Kerala’s hospitality industry over rising fuel costs and operational challenges.
With the Kerala Hotel and Restaurant Association warning of intensified protests, the situation underscores the urgent need for policy intervention to stabilize the sector and ensure its long-term sustainability.
Inputs & Images: Hindusthan Samachar
Edited By: Akshaya Polepalli
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