Berhampur Grapples with Food Price Surge Amid LPG Supply Crisis
The city of Berhampur is facing a significant culinary crisis as fast food joints and small eateries have been compelled to raise prices on staple dishes like idli, dosa, and vada. This price adjustment, ranging from Rs 2 to Rs 10 per item, comes in response to a severe shortage of commercial LPG cylinders, which has disrupted the local food service industry.
Widespread Price Increases Across Popular Dishes
Traditional breakfast items that were once affordable have seen notable price jumps. Idli, vada, and puri, previously sold at Rs 5 per piece, are now priced at Rs 7. Similarly, upma and dosa servings have increased from Rs 10 and Rs 30 to Rs 15 and Rs 40, respectively. These adjustments reflect the growing financial pressure on hoteliers and street vendors who rely on consistent fuel supplies for their operations.
A local hotelier, speaking anonymously, explained the situation: "The cooking gas crisis, combined with rising edible oil prices, has forced us to increase the cost of various tiffin items. To keep our hotels running, we've had to procure domestic LPG cylinders from customers with surplus supplies, paying premium prices in the process. The additional expenses for fuel and cooking oil leave us no choice but to adjust our menu prices."
Administrative Crackdown Exacerbates Closures
The crisis has been intensified by the district administration's crackdown on unauthorized use of LPG cylinders. Many small eateries have been forced to shut down completely due to both the supply shortage and regulatory pressures. Street vendors like Krushna Chandra Panigrahy, who sells ghuguni near Khallikote Unitary University, have raised prices from Rs 25 to Rs 30 per plate.
Numerous kiosks selling chowmein, momo, fried items, and jilabi near the university, Giri Road, and other areas have remained closed during peak afternoon hours. Brundaban Panda, a jilabi maker near Bijipur, stated: "The short supply of commercial LPG and administrative actions against using domestic cylinders for commercial purposes have forced me to stop operating my unit. We hope the situation normalizes once LPG tankers arrive."
Official Response and Inventory Claims
Despite widespread reports of shortages, Subharaj Samantara, assistant civil supply officer (ACSO) in Berhampur, maintains that there is no LPG shortage in the city. As of Thursday, officials reported stocking 369 commercial and 6,272 domestic LPG cylinders from various companies.
In a recent joint raid conducted by civil supply and Berhampur Municipal Corporation (BeMC) officials, authorities seized 31 cooking gas cylinders, including 29 commercial and two domestic units. This enforcement action highlights the ongoing tension between regulatory measures and the practical needs of small food businesses struggling to maintain operations.
The situation in Berhampur underscores the delicate balance between fuel supply management, regulatory enforcement, and the sustainability of local food economies. As vendors and customers alike await resolution, the community faces both economic and culinary challenges that extend beyond mere price adjustments.
