Price Shock
A steep ₹993 hike in commercial LPG (19 kg) cylinders has pushed prices beyond ₹3,000, with rates in Kochi reportedly exceeding ₹3,400 in the black market.
Industry Protest
The Kerala Hotel and Restaurant Association (KHRA), representing over 60,000 members, has called for a statewide shutdown on May 6, warning of severe impact on the hospitality sector.
Cost Pressure
Hotels estimate that commercial LPG prices have risen by nearly ₹1,400 over the past three months, significantly increasing operational expenses and eroding already thin margins.
Business Impact
A mid-sized hotel using two cylinders daily faces an additional monthly burden of around ₹60,000, making price hikes for menu items almost unavoidable.
Consumer Fallout
Higher input costs are expected to be passed on to customers, making dining out more expensive and potentially reducing footfall across restaurants.
Operational Shift
Some operators are switching to alternative fuels like firewood, while others are adopting bulk cooking techniques to optimise gas usage and control costs.
Supply Strain
Reports of LPG shortages linked to the West Asia crisis have further aggravated the situation, pushing some businesses toward black market purchases.
Sustainability Concern
The shift to firewood-based cooking raises environmental concerns, even as businesses struggle to stay viable amid rising fuel costs.
