The Kerala Hotel and Restaurant Association (KHRA) has voiced its outrage, stating that the cumulative hike of ₹1,498 over the past five months is unsustainable. “The unilateral ₹1,000 increase is unprecedented in India and wholly unjustifiable,” said P.P. Abdurahman, a key figure in the association. He further warned that if such price increases continue, food prices could rise by as much as 50% to 60% just to keep businesses afloat.

The government’s push towards promoting piped natural gas (PNG) connections adds another layer of complexity. Starting June 30, 2026, households with existing PNG infrastructure will see their LPG connections cut off entirely. Authorities are currently identifying households that use both LPG and PNG services to enforce this new rule.

Key facts about the recent gas price changes:

• The price of a 19-kg commercial LPG cylinder has crossed ₹3,000 after a ₹1,000 increase.
• The cumulative hike in commercial LPG cylinder prices over the past five months totals ₹1,498.
• The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas issued new rules for gas cylinder connections in March 2026.

This shift towards PNG is part of a broader government strategy aimed at reducing reliance on LPG and curbing methane emissions associated with traditional gas usage. However, the KHRA argues that this transition must not come at the expense of small businesses struggling to cope with skyrocketing costs.

As protests escalate and shutdowns become more frequent across Kerala’s bustling food sector, the future remains uncertain. Observers are closely monitoring how these developments will impact local economies and whether any concessions will be made by authorities to alleviate the burden on restaurant owners.

The post Gas: Protests Erupt in Kerala Over Rising Prices appeared first on The Business News.