Eateries to remain closed

KOCHI: Marking their protest over the soaring prices of the commercial LPG cylinders, restaurants and hotels in the city will remain closed on Monday as part of a token strike called by Kerala Hotel and Restaurant Association (KHRA).The office-bearers of KHRA said that the cost of LPG cylinders used in eateries saw a steep increase of more than 100 per cent during the last one year.“When there is such a steep increase, we will have to increase the price of food items. In that case, many groups will come out in protest. We are caught in a real dilemma now. We will conduct auto rallies to create awareness among the people about our plight,” said G Sudhiesh Kumar, president, KHRA. He added that if the government did not revoke its decision, it would resort to severe protest measures.