Angered over a steep hike of Rs 993 in commercial LPG cylinder prices, the Punjab Hotel Association has issued a 10-day ultimatum to the Centre, warning of state-wide protests and a boycott of government events if the increase is not rolled back.At a meeting held in Bathinda under the chairmanship of association president Satish Arora, members from various unions unanimously opposed the sharp rise, which has pushed the cost of a commercial cylinder beyond Rs 3,000.Arora said the hospitality sector, comprising hotels, restaurants and ‘dhabas’, is already grappling with high taxes and financial losses. “This hike will severely impact the industry and the nearly six lakh families depend on it,” he said.The association warned that businesses may be forced to either cut jobs or pass on the burden to consumers by increasing food prices. It also cautioned that many small establishments are on the verge of closure.If the demand is not met within 10 days, the association said it would intensify its agitation by boycotting official events and launching large scale protests across the state, urging the Centre to immediately revise the rates