Coimbatore's Food Vendors Grapple with Escalating LPG Crisis
The ongoing conflict in West Asia has triggered a severe LPG crisis, severely impacting small-scale food businesses in Coimbatore. Initially, many eateries, street vendors, and bakeries attempted to adapt by trimming their menus to stay afloat. However, as the situation worsens, sustaining operations has become increasingly difficult due to skyrocketing prices for commercial LPG cylinders.
Soaring Prices Force Widespread Closures
Commercial LPG suppliers are now demanding more than Rs 5,500 per cylinder, a steep increase that has pushed numerous businesses to the brink. Vendors report that some suppliers are even charging between Rs 6,000 and Rs 7,000 per cylinder. This price surge has led to the closure of over 100 eateries and street vendors in bustling areas such as Tatabad, Nava India Road, and Ramnagar.
One affected business owner, Panneerselvam, who operates a tiffin centre opposite the city police commissionerate on Huzur Road, was compelled to shut down temporarily. He gave his employees a three-day leave after his LPG cylinder supply was abruptly halted.
Personal Stories Highlight the Struggle
R Chithra, who runs a small tiffin stall on Nava India Road, shared her ordeal. "Before the LPG crisis, we required one cylinder daily, which cost us around Rs 2,000," she explained. "Now, our regular supplier faced criminal charges for hoarding, forcing us to switch to another vendor who charges Rs 5,500 per cylinder. Since chapati is our signature item, we depend heavily on cylinders. We've eliminated all other menu items, but we're uncertain how long we can continue this way."
In the Avarampalayam area, food cart vendor Venkatesan has resorted to preparing a limited menu at home using kerosene and electric stoves. "I've been in this small business for three years and have never encountered such a challenging situation," he lamented.
Broader Implications for Local Economy
The crisis underscores the vulnerability of small food enterprises to external geopolitical events and supply chain disruptions. As prices continue to climb, more vendors may be forced to close, potentially affecting local employment and community access to affordable food options. The situation calls for urgent attention to support these vital small businesses in Coimbatore.
