Will Bengaluru’s street food stalls ever get their hands on LPG cylinders at reasonable prices?
It seems highly unlikely, given the current shortage. Small eateries in Bengaluru are now forced to buy domestic LPG cylinders in the black market for an exorbitant ₹25,000.
This is five times the usual price of an LPG cylinder, which is meant to supply a household with cooking gas for 14 days. The skyrocketing prices have put a heavy burden on the already-struggling street food industry.
Black Market Cylinders Fill the Gap
In a desperate bid to meet their daily cooking needs, many small eateries have turned to buying LPG cylinders from unlicensed dealers. These cylinders are sourced from other states and sold at a huge markup.
According to eyewitnesses, the black market LPG cylinders are being sold at prices ranging from ₹20,000 to ₹30,000. This is a massive increase from the usual price of ₹5,000.
The Economic Impact of the Shortage
The LPG cylinder shortage is not just affecting the street food industry, but also small households that rely on domestic cooking gas for their daily needs. The shortage has led to a significant increase in the prices of cooking gas, which is a basic necessity for most Indians.
The government’s failure to address the shortage has left many people struggling to find affordable cooking gas. The situation is expected to worsen in the coming days, leading to further economic hardship for small households and businesses.
As the LPG cylinder shortage continues to plague Bengaluru, one thing is certain – the street food industry will not be the same again. The economic impact of this shortage will be felt for a long time to come, and it’s high time the government took concrete steps to address the issue.