Ahmedabad: A sharp surge in commercial LPG prices across Gujarat and the nation has put severe pressure on the hospitality sector, with hotel and restaurant operators in cities such as Ahmedabad, Surat and Rajkot reporting mounting losses and operational disruptions.

On Saturday, commercial gas prices jumped by ₹993 in a single day, taking the cumulative increase to around ₹1,500 per cylinder so far in 2026. In Surat, the situation has turned critical, with the price of a commercial cylinder rising from ₹1,530 earlier this year to about ₹3,140 now.

Traders say the problem is being compounded by a shortage of cylinders in the market. Amid the steep price hike, adequate supply remains unavailable, forcing several restaurants in Surat to shut operations temporarily. Many business owners have applied for piped gas connections, but approvals and installations are still pending.

“Even if gas is available at a higher price, businesses can sustain. But with no supply, operations and employment have come to a standstill,” traders said. Small-scale operators are among the worst affected, with many stating that selling basic items like tea and snacks has become unviable. Establishments with piped gas connections, however, are facing relatively fewer disruptions.

Industry players have warned that if the situation persists, eating out could become highly expensive for the middle class in the near future.

Meanwhile, the Congress has criticised the price hike, calling it the seventh consecutive increase since January 2026. The party said commercial LPG prices have risen by nearly ₹1,500 in the past five months and cautioned that the inflationary impact will soon be felt by consumers. It urged the government to present a detailed account of its performance in the energy sector, alleging that rising fuel costs are worsening the economic condition of the poor. DeshGujarat