Ludhiana, May 2 -- A steep increase in commercial LPG prices has triggered concern among hotel and restaurant owners in Ludhiana, who warn that the near- Rs.1,000 jump in the price of a 19-kg cylinder could sharply raise operating costs and eventually push up food prices across the city.

Industry representatives said the price of a 19-kg commercial LPG cylinder has risen from the earlier range of Rs.2,000- Rs.2,200 to around Rs.3,200 this month, upsetting cost calculations for hotels, restaurants, dhabas and catering units already operating on narrow margins.

Amarvir Singh, president of the Hotel and Restaurant Association, Ludhiana, termed the hike unprecedented, saying previous revisions usually ranged between Rs.50 and Rs.100.

"This...