Hostels in Kerala stare at uncertainty amid LPG crisis

Disruptions in the supply of LPG for commercial use, triggered by the ongoing conflict in West Asia, have hit hostel messes in the State, leaving many in the sector staring at uncertainty and prompting them to explore alternatives. Hostels across the State, housing students and professionals, have started amending their usual menus, while a section has begun exploring the possibility of running community kitchens to tide over the looming crisis.

The crisis, if it persists, is likely to affect thousands of residents in Kochi alone, according to unofficial estimates by stakeholders in the sector. There are at least 850 licensed hostels organised under multiple platforms, while the number of accommodation facilities without proper licences is estimated to be manifold. The capacity of the hostels ranges between 40 and 750, according to stakeholders.

The cooking gas shortage has pushed both owners and residents into what they liken to a ‘pandemic-like situation’. “Ever since we noticed the shortage, we have made some changes to the menu. We have cut down the amount of rice cooked, which requires a lot of gas. We usually require a refill every four to five days to cook for 200 residents. Now, there is only one cylinder left with us, and it is expected to last for a maximum of 10 days with the revised menu,” Naseem Hamza, general secretary, Hostel Owners Welfare Association, said.

Hostels across the city have affixed notices requesting residents to cope with the situation. “Our hostel owner has changed the menu and promised to provide meals as long as the current stock of LPG lasts. However, we are not sure what we will do after that,” Cilu Mary Joseph from Kottayam, who works with a travel management company in Edappally, said. She added that she did not have the option of working from home.

Vijitha Vijayan, a native of Palakkad who works for a Thailand-based company in Kochi, echoed the concern. “I also have to go to the office. I don’t know what I will do once the food supply in my hostel is disrupted. Even eateries near my office have shut,” she said.

Mr. Hamza, meanwhile, said a section of hostel owners had started considering a cloud kitchen model using firewood. Honey Poulose, treasurer of the Hotel Owners Federation, agreed with the idea while raising concerns over a reported shortage of firewood as well. He said his forum planned to hold a protest march in Kaloor on Tuesday (March 17, 2026) highlighting the plight of the hostel sector.

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