LPG Shortage Disrupts Kerala Houseboat Tourism During Peak Season

A severe shortage of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) cylinders is significantly impacting the houseboat tourism industry in Kerala’s backwaters, particularly in Kumarakom. With cooking gas supplies dwindling, many operators have been forced to eliminate meal services from their packages, offering only boat rides, while others have halted bookings entirely. Some desperate business owners are resorting to the black market, paying up to ₹4,000 per cylinder to maintain operations. This crisis coincides with the critical Vishu festival and summer vacation period, traditionally a peak season for local tourism. Although tourist numbers remain steady, the inability to serve traditional backwater cuisine, such as duck and pearl spot fish, has led to a sharp decline in customer satisfaction and occupancy rates, which have dropped to an average of two days per week. Houseboat associations have appealed to authorities for increased LPG quotas, noting that current allocations cover only 62% of average consumption. The situation is further exacerbated by extreme summer weather and a decrease in foreign arrivals due to geopolitical conflicts in West Asia, placing additional strain on the regional tourism economy.