Thiruvananthapuram: A deepening cooking gas (LPG) shortage has pushed hotel owners across Kerala to the brink, prompting a statewide shutdown on Monday as a mark of protest. The move comes amid growing concerns over disrupted supplies that have severely affected daily operations in the hospitality sector.
The Kerala Hotel & Restaurant Association has announced a series of protest actions, including a march to oil companies’ bottling plants and a symbolic strike with complete hotel closure on Monday.
Hotel owners are demanding that the government declare hotels as an essential service and ensure uninterrupted LPG supply to keep businesses running.
Amid rising anxiety, the central government has urged the public not to panic, assuring that steps are being taken to ease the crisis. Officials confirmed that efforts are underway to import additional LPG supplies from Iran to stabilize availability.
Meanwhile, authorities have intensified action against illegal hoarding of LPG cylinders. So far, nearly 15,000 cylinders have been seized in nationwide crackdowns, signaling strict enforcement to curb black market activities.
With tensions mounting, all eyes are now on how quickly supply chains can be restored to prevent further disruption.
