Restaurants to remain closed on Monday; Hotel and Restaurant Association announces decision

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Restaurants across the state will remain closed on Monday. The Kerala Hotel and Restaurant Association said the shutdown is part of a protest against the severe shortage of cooking gas. The association is demanding that restaurants be included in the priority list for LPG supply. It also said a march to the bottling plants will be held on Thursday.

Last week, nearly half of the restaurants and small eateries in the state had already stopped operations. Restaurant owners said that LPG cylinders are not available even at double the price. Many restaurants that are still open have reduced items on their menu. The closure has led to job losses for many workers. Related sectors are also facing serious problems.

The association said the protest is due to the worsening shortage of cooking gas. It added that the situation is affecting both customers and the restaurant industry. Office-bearers warned that if the current situation continues, the restaurant sector in Kerala may come to a complete halt within one or two days.

Leaders of the association had met Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan to seek a solution. However, the Chief Minister said there are limits to government action due to the election code of conduct. The crisis in the restaurant sector has also affected the supply of fruits, vegetables, fish, and meat.