Kozhikode: The hotel and restaurant sector in Kozhikode, often dubbed the food capital of Kerala, is facing a fresh crisis as migrant workers have returned to their home states in large numbers to vote.

Already struggling due to a shortage of cooking gas, the industry has been hit hard, forcing many establishments to shut down. Around 40 per cent of hotels in the district have closed, said US Santhosh Kumar, president of the Kerala Hotel and Restaurant Association district.

He said many hotels are managing by reducing operating hours and rearranging staff shifts. Several major restaurants in the city have shut down due to an acute shortage of workers.

Workers began returning home ahead of the Assam elections held in the second week of April, and many have not yet returned. Meanwhile, others left for elections in West Bengal, further worsening the situation. As a result, many hotels have found it difficult to continue operations, said association state secretary Rupesh Koli.

Hotel owners say this is the first time such a large number of workers have left at once. Elections in multiple states scheduled close together, along with concerns that not voting after the introduction of SIR could lead to issues, prompted workers to return home in groups.

The sector was already under pressure due to a cooking gas shortage, which has not been fully resolved. Hotels had been coping by reducing menu items and adjusting timings. With the added labour shortage, many have now been forced to shut.

Several establishments have limited service to just one floor, while some have stopped operating air-conditioned sections. Restaurants that earlier opened in the evening have now delayed opening until 8 pm, and many that used to close at midnight now shut by 10 pm. Two-shift operations have been reduced to a single shift in many places. Due to increased workload on remaining staff, one prominent hotel in the city even shut temporarily to allow workers to rest. In some cases, owners themselves have stepped in to serve customers.

Hotel operators say they are trying to continue service without turning customers away or making them wait too long. Around 70 per cent of workers in hotels, including cleaning and hospitality roles, are migrant labourers from other states.

Complaints of price hike

There are also complaints that some hotels have increased food prices following the gas shortage. Customers allege that prices of several items, from tea to meals, have gone up. While cooking gas sourced from private agencies has become costlier, it is alleged that prices are being raised disproportionately. Protests have been reported in places like Koodaranji over the issue.

Where to complain

Customers who notice excessive pricing can file complaints with the District Collector or the District Supply Officer. Complaints submitted to the Collector are typically forwarded to the Supply Officer for investigation. As per the rules, hotels must display price lists in advance. If found otherwise, the Supply Officer will report the matter to the Collector. Complaints can also be filed with the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum.