ASHA seeks relief on rising LPG, PNG costs

Amid mounting operational costs and growing concerns over the sustainability of hospitality businesses, members of the Andhra Pradesh Star Hotels Association (ASHA) on Thursday appealed to the State government to introduce immediate relief measures to offset the sharp rise in commercial LPG and PNG prices.

In a representation submitted to Civil Supplies Minister Nadendla Manohar, the association said hotels, restaurants, banquet halls, and other hospitality establishments were facing severe financial pressure due to escalating fuel and utility costs.

The association urged the government to introduce subsidies or relief measures for commercial LPG cylinders, stating that the hospitality sector continued to play a key role in employment generation, tourism promotion, and State revenue mobilisation, but had not received adequate support.

ASHA members also sought concessional fuel pricing for hospitality and tourism-related businesses. They demanded that GST on commercial LPG cylinders be reduced from the present 18% to 5%, arguing that the high tax burden had significantly increased operational costs and made it difficult for small and medium establishments to maintain affordable pricing for customers.

The association further called for the rationalisation of PNG tariffs, noting that many establishments were gradually shifting towards cleaner and safer energy alternatives, but rising PNG prices were becoming a major challenge.

It also urged the government to introduce a special hospitality category tariff and provide incentives for businesses adopting cleaner energy solutions.