Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has urged the Union government to ensure adequate supply of cooking gas and protect consumers from rising prices, warning that shortages could seriously disrupt households and the food service sector. He cited growing concerns across the country amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, noting that recent price hikes and booking restrictions have added to public distress.

Vijayan said reports of supply shortages were emerging from various parts of Kerala, compounded by a rule allowing domestic cylinder bookings only once every 27 days. He cautioned that uncertainty in availability could affect hotels and restaurants, many of which serve workers who travel between districts and migrant labourers who depend on affordable meals.

In a letter to Union petroleum minister Hardeep Singh Puri, the chief minister sought immediate central intervention to stabilize supply and prices, including budgetary subsidy support if necessary. The Communist Party of India Marxist also criticized the Union government for failing to maintain mandatory reserve stocks and announced protest programmes across the state.