LPG price hike: Commercial cylinder crosses Rs 3,000, restaurants in crisis

KOCHI: Commercial LPG cylinder prices have jumped by Rs 993 amid an ongoing shortage, pushing rates past Rs 3,000 and leaving restaurants in a difficult situation. A sharp increase in food prices awaits the public.

In Kochi, the price has reached Rs 3,085. In Thiruvananthapuram, it is Rs 3,106, and in Kozhikode, Rs 3,117.50. Prices had already been increased in January, March, and April. Due to the Iran war situation, gas supply has also been affected. As a result, restaurants have already increased meal prices by Rs 10 and tea and snacks by Rs 2. Industry bodies, including the Hotel and Restaurant Association and the Bakers Association, warn that food prices may have to be raised by as much as 50–60% if the situation continues.

The LPG price hike will impact the operations of hotels, restaurants, bakeries, street food stalls, and catering units. Small-scale hotels may be forced to shut down.

Hotel strike on Wednesday
The Kerala Hotel and Restaurant Association has announced that hotels and restaurants will remain closed on Wednesday (6th) in protest against the LPG price hike.

Cylinder price hike (in Rs)
January 1, 2026: +111
March 1: +28–31
March 7: +115
April 1: +195.50
May 1: +993

G. Jayapal, President of the Kerala Hotel and Restaurant Association, said that the government is afraid to increase domestic LPG prices due to public backlash and has instead shifted the burden onto the hotel sector.