Members of the Andhra Pradesh Star Hotels Association (ASHA) on Thursday appealed to Civil Supplies Minister Nadendla Manohar for immediate government support to ease the growing financial burden on the hospitality sector caused by rising commercial LPG and PNG prices.

In a representation submitted to the Minister, the hotel owners said steep fuel and utility costs were severely affecting hotels, restaurants, banquets and other hospitality establishments.

They requested that the government introduce subsidy or relief measures for commercial LPG cylinders, pointing out that hospitality businesses, despite contributing significantly to employment generation, tourism, and State revenues, were ‘not receiving any meaningful support’. They urged the government to consider concessional fuel pricing and extend support for tourism and hospitality-related businesses.

They demanded a reduction in GST on commercial LPG cylinders from the present 18% to 5%, saying that the high GST rate had increased operational pressure on hotels and restaurants, making it difficult for small and medium establishments to maintain affordable pricing for consumers.

The association sought rationalisation of PNG tariffs, stating that many hospitality establishments were gradually shifting towards cleaner and safer energy sources, but rising PNG prices were becoming a challenge.

The members requested the introduction of a special hospitality category tariff and incentives for businesses adopting cleaner energy.