Kolkata's Food Sector Breathes Sigh of Relief as West Asia Ceasefire Stabilizes LPG Supply
The recent ceasefire in West Asia has brought much-needed respite to Kolkata's bustling food and beverages industry, which was on the brink of implementing significant price increases. This development has led to a widespread decision to put such hikes on hold, with many establishments opting for only nominal revisions or none at all. The conflict between the US and Iran had previously caused a steep rise in the prices of commercial LPG cylinders and various food items, putting immense pressure on restaurant margins.
Industry Association Urges Restraint Ahead of Peak Season
The Hotel and Restaurants' Association of Eastern India (HRAEI) has formally advised its member restaurants to defer any price adjustments until at least the Bengali New Year, known as Poila Baisakh. Sudesh Poddar, president of HRAEI and owner of Songhai-Manthan and MS Bar & Lounge, explained the rationale behind this move. "Supply of commercial cylinders has improved significantly, allowing us to reintroduce dishes that were temporarily discontinued. We anticipate a gradual normalization, but cylinders remain more expensive, increasing our per-dish costs. April and May are peak months for customer footfall, and we do not wish to burden our patrons," Poddar stated.
Restaurants Adapt and Innovate Amid Supply Improvements
Several prominent restaurants have already adjusted their operations in response to the enhanced LPG availability. Oudh 1590, which had switched to a centralized open wood-and-coal chullah for cooking biryani, resumed using LPG from Tuesday. Owner Shiladitya Chaudhury noted, "Only our Behala outlet is using a hybrid model of LPG and induction. LPG supply has recovered to about 70% of our requirements, which is a boost ahead of the Bengali New Year. Despite the price surge, we will maintain our current menu prices."
This revival has enabled other ventures to launch special events. Chapter 2 on Southern Avenue commenced its annual Goan Catholic Food Festival on Thursday, while Chaudhury & Co—its Bengali cuisine outlet—is set to offer traditional dishes for Poila Baisakh. Chaudhury added, "We expect increased footfall across all our outlets, especially at Chaudhury & Co, which will celebrate its first Bengali New Year."
Major Chains and Iconic Eateries Commit to Price Stability
Leading restaurant groups have also pledged to avoid price increases for the time being. Specialty Restaurants, which operates popular brands like Oh! Calcutta, Cafe Mezzuna, Mainland China, Hoppipola, and Flame & Grill, will not raise prices. Founder Anjan Chatterjee emphasized, "With 35 years in the business, we consider it our duty to hold the price line and not impose additional costs on our guests."
Similarly, Oasis on Park Street had contemplated a 5% menu price hike but has now decided against it. Owner Pratap Daryanani commented, "Commercial cylinder supply has increased by 20%. If the ceasefire holds, we expect costs to decline. The LPG price hike compounded already rising ingredient prices. While we typically revise prices in April, we will refrain from doing so now."
Iconic establishments such as Mocambo, Peter Cat, and Peter Hu have also resolved not to increase prices. Owner Nitin Kothari expressed optimism, "The situation is improving, and I believe conflicts cannot last indefinitely. Even if they persist, we will absorb the costs rather than pass them on to customers."
Mixed Responses Highlight Ongoing Challenges
Not all restaurants are completely foregoing price adjustments. Amber in central Kolkata, which has also experienced better LPG supply, is considering a modest menu price revision. Owner Sanjay Khullar acknowledged, "Given the price increases, we are planning a small revision." This indicates that while the ceasefire has alleviated supply issues, the financial impact of higher costs remains a concern for some operators.
The collective decision by Kolkata's food sector to prioritize customer satisfaction over immediate profit margins underscores the industry's resilience. As the city gears up for the festive Bengali New Year period, improved LPG supply and strategic price management are expected to support a vibrant dining scene, benefiting both businesses and patrons alike.
