A recent surge in commercial LPG prices has sparked widespread protests and shutdowns within Kerala’s food sector. The price of a 19-kg commercial LPG cylinder has now exceeded ₹3,000 following a steep ₹1,000 increase.
The cumulative hike in commercial LPG cylinder prices over the last five months totals ₹1,498. P.P. Abdurahman, president of the Kerala Hotel and Restaurant Association, condemned the increase as “unprecedented in India and wholly unjustifiable.” He warned that if such price hikes persist, restaurants and hotels may be forced to raise food prices by 50% to 60% to remain viable.
Meanwhile, the government is pushing for a transition from traditional LPG to piped natural gas (PNG) connections in households. Authorities are currently identifying homes that utilize both LPG and PNG services, as households with a PNG connection will no longer be eligible for new LPG connections or refills after June 30, 2026.
City gas distribution companies have received directives to prioritize PNG connections for commercial establishments. This shift aims to reduce reliance on LPG and mitigate methane emissions associated with gas usage.
In March 2026, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas implemented new rules regarding gas cylinder connections. These regulations are part of a broader strategy to enhance the infrastructure for PNG while limiting the availability of LPG options for households already connected to piped gas.
The protests reflect growing frustrations among local businesses over rising operational costs tied directly to the escalating prices of commercial cooking gas. Many restaurant owners fear that continued price increases could jeopardize their ability to serve customers effectively.
The situation remains fluid as stakeholders await further clarification on how these changes will unfold. Observers are particularly interested in how the government will balance its push for cleaner energy solutions with the immediate economic pressures faced by local businesses.
