LPG – Kolkata eateries struggle as commercial gas shortage drives price rise
LPG – A growing shortage of commercial LPG cylinders in Kolkata is beginning to affect roadside eateries, small restaurants, and local food stalls across the city. The supply crunch, linked to instability in global oil and gas markets due to tensions in West Asia, has forced many food businesses to either increase menu prices or temporarily close operations.
Restaurant owners and small vendors say the situation has worsened in recent days as distributors struggle to provide adequate supplies of commercial cooking gas. For businesses that depend heavily on LPG for daily cooking, the disruption is creating serious operational challenges.
Supply restrictions create pressure on food businesses
Industry sources indicate that alongside the rise in domestic cooking gas prices, commercial LPG supply has become more limited. Authorities and distributors are reportedly prioritizing essential institutions such as hospitals and schools, leaving restaurants and food outlets with reduced access to cylinders.
As a result, many eateries are receiving far fewer cylinders than they normally require. Without a steady supply of fuel, several establishments have been forced to scale back their operations, while others are struggling to maintain normal service.
Small roadside food stalls have been particularly affected, as they usually lack the financial flexibility to absorb sudden increases in operating costs.
Street food hubs report closures and price increases
Some of Kolkata’s well-known food areas are already feeling the impact. Vendors operating in the busy food lane of Dacres Lane say the shortage is beginning to disrupt daily business. While a few stalls have temporarily shut down due to lack of gas supply, others have raised food prices to offset increasing costs.
Food sellers say that cooking gas is a major part of their operating expenses, and any disruption directly affects their ability to keep prices stable. Customers are now seeing gradual increases in the cost of everyday meals.
Concerns are also emerging in other major food and commercial areas including Park Circus, Park Street, Golpark, Chandni, Dalhousie, Esplanade, Camac Street, Exide Crossing, and Minto Park, where restaurants depend heavily on commercial LPG cylinders.
Restaurant owners warn of deeper crisis
Managers and restaurant owners across the city say the ongoing supply disruption could become more serious if the situation continues. Some fear that prolonged shortages may force small eateries to close permanently.
According to several operators, gas prices have already been climbing steadily while cylinder availability has declined. The uncertainty surrounding global energy markets is making it difficult for businesses to predict future costs or secure reliable supplies.
Food vendors also claim that commercial LPG cylinders are increasingly being sold in informal markets at significantly higher prices. Even then, availability remains uncertain, creating further pressure on small establishments trying to keep their kitchens running.
Return to traditional cooking methods considered
Facing uncertainty over fuel availability, some small eateries are considering returning to older cooking methods using coal or charcoal stoves. However, restaurant owners say such a transition is not simple.
Coal-based cooking requires different equipment, additional ventilation arrangements, and higher maintenance. For many businesses operating in compact spaces, switching fuels may not be practical.
At the same time, customers are also beginning to feel the impact as food prices gradually rise. Many daily meal providers say they are trying to avoid sharp price increases but admit that maintaining current rates may become impossible if gas prices continue to rise.
Railway station food vendors also affected
The effects of the LPG shortage are visible near Sealdah railway station, one of the busiest transport hubs in the city. Numerous small “rice hotels” around the station serve affordable meals to thousands of workers, commuters, and travelers each day.
Owners of these establishments say rising costs of food ingredients had already put pressure on their businesses. The gas shortage has now added another layer of financial strain.
Currently, the price of a 19 kg commercial LPG cylinder is approaching Rs 2,000. Since such cylinders are widely used by restaurants and food vendors, any increase in price directly affects meal costs.
Consumers rush to update LPG documentation
Amid fears of a wider supply shortage, long queues have also been reported at LPG distribution centers across the city. Many consumers are rushing to update their KYC details after concerns spread that incomplete documentation could disrupt future cylinder deliveries.
Restaurant associations and small business owners are now hoping for improved supply conditions in the coming weeks. Without a stable flow of commercial LPG, many small eateries worry that sustaining operations will become increasingly difficult.