A sharp rise in commercial LPG prices has sparked widespread protests in Kerala’s food sector, with the price of a 19-kg cylinder now exceeding ₹3,000 following a ₹1,000 increase. The Kerala Hotel and Restaurant Association is at the forefront of these protests.
The cumulative hike in commercial LPG cylinder prices over the past five months stands at ₹1,498. “The unilateral ₹1,000 increase is unprecedented in India and wholly unjustifiable,” said P.P. Abdurahman, president of the association. He warned that if such price increases continue, local hotels and restaurants may have no choice but to raise food prices by 50% to 60% to stay afloat.
As part of a broader government strategy aimed at promoting piped natural gas (PNG) connections and reducing reliance on LPG, new rules for gas cylinder connections were issued by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas in March 2026. Households utilizing both LPG and PNG services are currently being identified by authorities. By June 30, 2026, households with PNG infrastructure will lose their LPG connections.
Under these new regulations, households with a PNG connection cannot apply for new LPG or LPG refills. City gas distribution companies have been advised to prioritize PNG connections for commercial establishments moving forward. This shift aims to encourage cleaner energy use while simultaneously addressing rising methane emissions associated with traditional cooking gas.
With the protests escalating, observers are closely monitoring how this situation unfolds. The Kerala Hotel and Restaurant Association’s actions highlight the urgent need for dialogue between local businesses and government officials regarding the sustainability of rising gas prices.
