Hostels in Kerala stare at uncertainty amid LPG crisis

Disruptions in LPG supplies for commercial use, triggered by the ongoing conflict in West Asia, have led to hostel chaos in the state, leaving many in the industry facing uncertainty and exploring alternatives. While hostels housing students and professionals across the state have started changing their usual menus, a section has also started exploring the possibility of running community kitchens to tide over the looming crisis.

If the crisis continues, it is likely to affect thousands of residents in Kochi alone, according to unofficial estimates from industry stakeholders. While there are at least 850 licensed hostels organized under more than one platform, it is estimated that the number of accommodation facilities without the appropriate license is much higher. According to stakeholders, the capacity of hostels varies between 40 and 750.

The cooking gas shortage has pushed homeowners and residents alike into what they liken to a “pandemic-like situation.” “Since realizing the shortage, we have made some changes in the menu. We have reduced the amount of rice cooked, which requires a lot of gas. We usually need refilling every four to five days to cook for 200 residents. We are now left with only one cylinder and with the revised menu, it is expected to last a maximum of 10 days,” said Naseem Hamza, general secretary of Hostel Owners Welfare Association.

Hostels across the city have pasted up notices asking residents to deal with the situation. “Our hostel owner changed the menu and promised to provide food as long as the available LPG stock lasts. But we are not sure what to do next,” said Cilu Mary Joseph from Kottayam, who works with a travel management company in Edappally. He added that there is no option to work from home.

Palakkad native Vijitha Vijayan, who works for a Thailand-based company in Kochi, also expressed her concerns. “I also have to go to the office. I don’t know what to do when the food supply at my hostel is cut off. Even the restaurants near my office are closed,” he said.

Meanwhile, Mr. Hamza said that some of the hostel owners are starting to consider a cloud kitchen model that uses firewood. Honey Poulose, treasurer of the Federation of Hotel Owners, agreed with the idea and also expressed concern about the firewood shortage. The joint forum of hostel owners is planning to hold a protest march in Kaloor on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, highlighting the plight of the hostel industry, he said.

Professional Lodge Owners Association president Sasidharan Thettikkuzhi demanded that the government should give due priority to the hostel sector. “Most hostel residents are commoners who cannot afford a rented house or other facilities. Once the needs of key sectors, including hospitals, are met, the government should support hostels with essential cooking gas,” he said.