The food service industry in Kerala’s Malappuram district initiated a total shutdown on Tuesday to protest the recent hike in commercial Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) prices. The strike shuttered hotels, restaurants, and bakeries across the region, citing unsustainable operational costs driven by volatile fuel markets.

The sudden disruption caught daily commuters and long-distance travelers off guard, with many unable to find essential food or drinking water at major transit hubs. Local reports indicate that the closure was widespread, impacting both small-scale tea shops and large dining establishments.

Industry associations stated that the current price regime for commercial cylinders has made it impossible to maintain profit margins without significantly increasing food prices for consumers. The groups are demanding immediate government intervention to subsidize fuel costs for the hospitality sector or implement a price ceiling.

District authorities are monitoring the situation as public inconvenience grows. Industry leaders are expected to meet with state officials later this week to negotiate a resolution, though no immediate end to the protest has been announced.