Hundreds went hungry across Kerala as hotels, restaurants and wayside eateries closed for a 24-hour statewide strike Wednesday against commercial LPG cylinder price increases. The Kerala Hotel and Restaurant Association called the token strike and staged protest marches and dharnas at petroleum outlets and Central government offices, warning that the industry faces severe strain from the cost surge.

KHRA State president G. Jayapal inaugurated a march and dharna at the IOC office in Panampilly Nagar, Kochi, and said all outlets remained closed to highlight a grave crisis facing the sector. He said hoteliers are unwilling to transfer higher costs to customers but demand that LPG prices be cut to less than half of current levels to sustain operations.

Ernakulam district president V.T. Hariharan said the strike is intended to compel government action and warned that food prices will rise if the hike is not rolled back. Restaurant owner and Perumbavoor unit president K.B. Sasi said LPG prices have jumped nearly ₹1,000 in three months, making the business unsustainable under further increases.

The All Kerala Caterers Association will hold a statewide kitchen closure and torchlight demonstration from Vanchi Square to Menaka Junction in Kochi on Thursday evening, followed by protests at district and Central offices on Friday to press for a rollback.