Amid rise in essential commodity prices, dining at Kerala govt. guest houses to get costly by around 25%

The sharp rise in prices of essential commodity, including provisions, vegetables, and cooking gas, has affected people from all walks of life. As a result, dining at the government-owned guest houses, Yathri Nivas and Kerala Houses under the Tourism and Public Works departments will become expensive.

State government agencies have increased the prices of food and beverages being served at its guest houses, Yatri Nivas and Kerala Houses by up to 25%. The State government has granted sanction for the price increase with immediate effect considering prevailing food inflation.

The majority of the rates on the food items in these government-owned eateries were fixed in 2017. As per the revised rates, dosa/idli, which was charged ₹55 for four pieces, will be charged ₹68 now. The price of an omelette has been increased from ₹22 to ₹27. The rate of vegetarian meals has been revised from ₹60 to ₹75. Chicken biriyani will now cost ₹137, up from ₹110, and fish pollichathu ₹125, a 25% increase from earlier rates.

Shahul Hameed, general secretary of the All Kerala Caterers Association, reports that rising chicken prices, which have surged by about 50% in recent weeks, are making life difficult for caterers and hoteliers. Many event bookings were made months ago, preventing price revisions. As a result, they must absorb rising costs, with provisions and vegetable prices up by 30% compared to last year.

Raw coconut, which was priced at ₹33 in the open market a year ago, is now charged around ₹65 after skyrocketing to ₹85 a few months ago, while coconut oil, which was priced around ₹210 per litre a year ago, is still ruling around ₹320 per kg in the retail market. The price of the commercial cooking gas has also seen an increase of ₹119 in January. The State and Centre governments will have to make market interventions to check the skyrocketing prices of essentials. If not, the common man will be on the receiving end, say experts.