The steep hike in liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) prices has left eateries across Bengaluru with little choice but to pass on the burden to customers. Popular restaurant chains in South Bengaluru, known for offering good-quality food at reasonable prices, have also resorted to increasing their menu rates.
Impact on Small and Large Eateries
From small roadside stalls to well-established restaurant chains, the rising cost of LPG has affected all segments of the food industry. Many eateries that previously prided themselves on affordable pricing have now been forced to revise their rates. The price of a commercial LPG cylinder has surged significantly, making it difficult for businesses to absorb the additional costs.
Restaurant owners in areas like Jayanagar, Koramangala, and BTM Layout have reported a noticeable drop in customer footfall after the price revision. However, they emphasize that the increase was unavoidable. "We had no choice. Our operating costs have gone up by nearly 20 percent due to the LPG hike alone," said a manager of a popular chain in South Bengaluru.
Ripple Effect on the Food Industry
The LPG price hike is not limited to Bengaluru but is part of a broader trend across Karnataka and other states. The increase has been attributed to rising global crude oil prices and supply chain disruptions in West Asia. As a result, restaurants are grappling with higher input costs, which are ultimately being transferred to consumers.
Some eateries have attempted to mitigate the impact by switching to electric cooking appliances or optimizing their LPG usage, but these measures have provided limited relief. The industry body representing restaurants in Karnataka has urged the government to consider subsidizing LPG for commercial establishments to prevent further price escalation.
For now, Bengaluru's food lovers will have to dig deeper into their pockets as the city's eateries navigate the challenges posed by the steep LPG hike. The situation remains fluid, with many restaurant owners hoping for a reversal in fuel prices to restore affordability.
