The Kerala Hotel and Restaurant Association (KHRA) has announced that hotels, restaurants, bakeries, and canteens across the state will remain closed for 24 hours on May 6 to protest the steep rise in cooking gas prices. Online food delivery services will also be suspended during the shutdown as part of the statewide agitation.
Demand for Rollback of LPG Price Hike
The protest has been organized to demand a rollback of the recent increase in LPG prices. According to KHRA, protest marches and dharnas will be held outside the offices of petroleum companies and central government establishments across Kerala. In Ernakulam, a dharna will take place in front of the Indian Oil Corporation office at Panampilly Nagar, inaugurated by state president G Jayapal. Similar demonstrations are planned at district headquarters throughout the state.
Support from Trade Bodies
The association added that several trade bodies have extended their support to the protest, including the Kerala Vyapari Vyavasayi Ekopana Samithi, Kerala Vyapari Vyavasayi Samithi, All Kerala Caterers Association, and the Hostel Owners Federation. The shutdown is expected to impact thousands of eateries and food delivery services across Kerala.
This protest comes amid rising concerns over the burden of increased LPG prices on the hospitality sector, which has already been grappling with high operational costs. The KHRA has urged the government to intervene and reverse the price hike to prevent further strain on businesses.
