A delegation of the Andhra Pradesh Star Hotels Association (ASHA), led by its president R.V. Swamy, met Civil Supplies Minister Nadendla Manohar on Thursday (July 9, 2026) and urged the State government to take up with the Centre key Goods and Services Tax (GST)-related issues affecting the hospitality industry.

The delegation submitted a representation seeking a reduction in the GST on commercial LPG cylinders, saying the existing tax burden had sharply increased operating costs for hotels and restaurants. They said the high GST on commercial LPG had added to the financial strain on the sector.

The association also appealed for the restoration of Input Tax Credit (ITC) under the GST regime for the hospitality industry. It said the withdrawal of ITC had significantly increased operational expenses as well as capital investment costs for hotels, making the sector less competitive and imposing an additional financial burden on businesses.

The association members asked the State government to support the industry’s demand by taking up the matter with the Government of India, and expressed confidence that under the leadership of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, it would effectively advocate the restoration of Input Tax Credit and other GST reforms to strengthen the hospitality sector.

Mr. Manohar gave a patient hearing to the delegation and assured them that the issues raised in the representation would be examined and taken up at the appropriate level.

The delegation included Vivanta, Visakhapatnam General Manager Nageswara Rao, ASHA general secretary Murthy Chittoory, joint secretary M.V. Pavan Kartheek and GRT Vijayawada Managing Director Sharan.