In Kerala, a staggering ₹1,000 increase in the price of a 19-kg commercial LPG cylinder has sparked widespread protests and shutdowns in the food sector. This hike brings the total price to over ₹3,000, prompting urgent action from restaurant owners and workers alike.
The Kerala Hotel and Restaurant Association is at the forefront of these protests. P.P. Abdurahman, a prominent figure in the association, voiced the collective frustration: “The unilateral ₹1,000 increase is unprecedented in India and wholly unjustifiable.” The cumulative price hike over the past five months has reached ₹1,498, making it increasingly difficult for establishments to operate without raising menu prices significantly.
Authorities are now identifying households that use both LPG and PNG services. As part of new regulations from the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas issued in March 2026, households with PNG connections will no longer be eligible for new LPG connections or refills after June 30, 2026. This change aims to promote piped gas connections while reducing reliance on traditional LPG.
The situation has left many restaurant owners worried about their futures. Abdurahman warned, “If such price increases continue, hotels and restaurants will have no option but to raise food prices by 50% to 60% to stay afloat.” With margins already tight, such a drastic measure could alienate customers who are also feeling the pinch from rising costs.
This unrest is not only about immediate financial strain but also about broader implications for methane emissions and environmental concerns tied to gas usage. The shift towards PNG connections may help address some of these issues—though it poses challenges for those accustomed to traditional cylinders.
As protests continue across Kerala’s bustling streets, observers are keenly watching how this situation unfolds. The next steps from both the government and industry leaders remain uncertain as they navigate this volatile landscape.
