Eateries to down shutters today

Kochi: Hotels, restaurants and bakeries across state will down shutters on Wednesday as part of a 24-hour strike, demanding withdrawal of the hike in prices of commercial LPG cylinders.The protest, led by Kerala Hotel and Restaurant Association (KHRA), is in response to the price hike of Rs 993 for 19-kg commercial LPG cylinders effective since May 1, pushing its rates above Rs 3,000. The shutdown is expected to be near-total, with all dining, take-away and online food delivery services shut for the day."Most hoteliers have reached a point where they can no longer absorb the cost increase," said KHRA state committee president G Jayapal. KHRA represents nearly one lakh eateries in the state.Industry leaders said the hospitality sector, already reeling from high labour costs and rising commodity prices, cannot absorb a hike of this magnitude. Total increase over the last few months have reportedly crossed Rs 1,400 per cylinder, making daily operations unviable for many small and medium-sized eateries.Several major trade bodies, including Kerala Vyapari Vyavasayi Ekopana Samithi, All Kerala Caterers Association and Hostel Owners Federation, will support the agitation.KHRA plans to organize protest marches and dharnas in front of central govt offices and petroleum company headquarters, including a protest at Panampilly Nagar in Ernakulam.