Restaurants, hotels, bakeries and canteens shut down across Kerala on May 6, 2026, in a 24-hour statewide strike led by the Kerala Hotel and Restaurant Association (KHRA) over a steep hike in commercial LPG prices. The 19-kg cylinder now costs over ₹3,000, an increase of ₹993 in one cycle, making operations unviable for many food businesses, owners said.

The strike halted dine-in, takeaway and online food delivery services, severely affecting daily commuters, office-goers and travellers. In Thiruvananthapuram, key hubs like Thampanoor, East Fort and Statue junction saw eateries shuttered, leaving many without access to breakfast or lunch. Some roadside tea stalls, hospital-adjacent eateries and government canteens remained open, providing limited relief.

LPG prices have nearly doubled since December 2025, when the commercial cylinder was priced at ₹1,684; it rose to ₹1,845 in February, ₹1,912 in March and ₹2,112 in April before surging past ₹3,000 in May. Hotel operators cited the spike alongside rising labour and raw material costs as key reasons for the shutdown. The protest included a march and sit-in demonstration from the Martyrs’ Column in Palayam, Thiruvananthapuram.

The strike drew support from major trade bodies, including the Kerala Vypari Vyavasayi Ekopana Samthi and the All Kerala Caterers Association. KHRA leaders said they would escalate protests if the State or Central government does not intervene to roll back prices.

The association plans to meet with State officials later this week to seek relief measures; the next course of action will depend on the government's response, KHRA said.