Kerala eateries shut statewide over LPG price hike protest
Hotels and restaurants suspend services for a day demanding rollback of cooking gas price increase
Hotels, restaurants, bakeries, and canteens across Kerala remained closed on May 6 as part of a statewide protest against the recent hike in cooking gas prices.
The shutdown was organised by the Kerala Hotel and Restaurant Association, which called for a 24 hour closure of eateries to press for a rollback of the increased LPG rates.
As part of the protest, online food delivery services were also suspended for the day, affecting customers across the state.
The association announced that demonstrations, including marches and sit in protests, would be held in front of offices of petroleum companies and central government institutions throughout Kerala.
Several trade organisations extended their support to the protest. These include the Kerala Vyapari Vyavasayi Ekopana Samithi, Kerala Vyapari Vyavasayi Samithi, All Kerala Caterers Association, and the Hostel Owners Federation.
Protesters say the rising cost of cooking gas has placed a heavy burden on the food service industry, making it difficult for businesses to operate without increasing prices for customers. They are urging the central government to reconsider the hike and provide relief to the sector.