Hotels, restaurants, bakeries and canteens across Kerala are shut for 24 hours on Wednesday, May 6, in protest against the steep hike in cooking gas prices, the KHRA said on Tuesday.

As part of the statewide agitation, online food delivery services are also suspended for the day, the association said in a press release.

Shutdown call and demand for rollback

The protest has been called to demand a rollback of the LPG price hike. The Kerala Hotel and Restaurant Association said protest marches and dharnas will be organised in front of the offices of petroleum companies and central government establishments across the state.

Protest plan across districts

In Ernakulam, a protest dharna is being held in front of the Indian Oil Corporation office at Panampilly Nagar. It will be inaugurated by the association’s state president, G Jayapal.

Similar protests are being held at district headquarters across Kerala, the association added.

Trade bodies extend support

Several trade bodies have extended support to the shutdown, KHRA office-bearers said. These include the Kerala Vyapari Vyavasayi Ekopana Samithi, Kerala Vyapari Vyavasayi Samithi, All Kerala Caterers Association, and the Hostel Owners Federation.