Kochi | The Kerala Hotel and Restaurant Association on Friday announced a statewide protest strike on May 6 against the hike in commercial LPG cylinder prices.

KHRA state president, G Jayapal, said all hotels and restaurants across Kerala would remain shut on the day in protest against what he termed as an "unfair" increase in LPG prices.

He said the price of a commercial LPG cylinder was hiked by Rs 993 on Friday.

“In the last five months, the price of a single cylinder has increased by a total of Rs 1,498,” he said.

KHRA general secretary N Abdul Razak said the food production and distribution sector was struggling to survive under the prevailing circumstances.

“Prior to the closure of shops, protest strikes will be held at the unit and district levels. On May 6, shops will remain closed, and protest marches and dharnas will be held in front of district headquarters and oil company offices,” he said.

Oil companies on Friday announced a hike in commercial LPG cylinder prices, drawing criticism from opposition parti