Kelocji, 28 March (H.S.):

In an unusual response to an ongoing shortage of commercial LPG cylinders, a hotel near Aluva railway station in Kochi has come up with a unique barter-style offer—providing a free family stay at a Munnar resort in exchange for a commercial gas cylinder.

Hotel Sagar, owned by entrepreneur A.P. Safeer, has announced that anyone who supplies a commercial LPG cylinder will receive a complimentary one-day stay at the “Munnar Peak Paradise” resort, also owned by him. The offer includes a room—normally priced at ₹5,000 per night—along with free breakfast for the family.

The announcement, which was shared on social media, quickly attracted widespread attention, with many people reaching out to the hotel. However, most inquiries came from individuals who only had domestic LPG cylinders, which cannot be used for commercial purposes. According to the hotel management, only a handful of people have been able to offer commercial cylinders.

The shortage has severely affected the hotel’s daily operations. Hotel Sagar reportedly requires at least three commercial cylinders per day to function. With supplies running dry, the establishment was forced to shut down for nearly a week.

Faced with limited alternatives and mounting operational challenges, the management decided to introduce the innovative offer as a practical solution to sustain the business. The hotel has clarified that the scheme will continue until the supply of commercial LPG cylinders stabilises.

The initiative has sparked conversations online, with many praising the creativity of the solution, while also highlighting the seriousness of the LPG shortage affecting small businesses in the region.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman