Kolkata, March 11 (NationPress) A disruption in the supply of commercial LPG cylinders, prompted by global oil and gas supply challenges amidst escalating tensions in West Asia, is now affecting roadside eateries and small restaurants throughout Kolkata. This situation has compelled many to increase food prices, while others are facing the threat of permanent closure.

In addition to the rising cost of domestic cooking gas, limitations have been enforced on the distribution of commercial LPG, prioritizing crucial establishments like schools and hospitals. Consequently, numerous hotels and restaurants are struggling to obtain commercial gas cylinders.

The most severely impacted are the small roadside eateries and food stalls scattered across the city. The lack of commercial LPG cylinders has led some to temporarily cease operations, while others have opted to raise food prices to manage the escalating costs.

Faced with supply uncertainty, many small businesses are contemplating a return to traditional methods of cooking, such as coal or charcoal stoves. However, the surge in food prices is also raising concerns among patrons.

From Kolkata’s bustling food hub at Dacres Lane to popular dining spots in Park Circus, similar worries are surfacing. Restaurant owners in busy commercial locales, including Park Street, Golpark, Chandni, Dalhousie, Esplanade, Camac Street, Exide Crossing, and Minto Park, are expressing their anxieties.

Bubai Pandit, the manager of the renowned Chitta Da’s eatery on Dacres Lane, warned that if the shortage persists, the situation could escalate into a crisis. “If this continues, we may have to shut down the business. Gas prices are rising daily and supplies are dwindling. The more the conflict escalates, the higher the prices seem to climb. Our future is uncertain,” he stated.

Another fast-food owner in Dacres Lane echoed similar fears, mentioning that commercial cylinders have started appearing on the black market at inflated prices. “Soon, they may not even be available there. I’m unsure how we will cope. Switching back to charcoal cooking is not a simple task,” he lamented.

The repercussions of this shortage are also being felt around Sealdah, one of Kolkata’s busiest railway stations, where numerous small “rice hotels” provide daily meals for thousands of workers and commuters. One hotel owner noted that the rising costs of essential goods had already strained their budget, and the gas shortage has further complicated matters.

Currently, the cost of a 19 kg commercial LPG cylinder is nearing Rs 2,000. As these cylinders are widely utilized in hotels and restaurants, any price increase directly impacts food costs, ultimately affecting consumers.

Restaurant owners have reported that the issue has worsened recently, with distributors unable to deliver even half the usual number of cylinders. Many small and medium-sized eateries are concerned that conditions could deteriorate further in the days to come if supplies do not improve.

An owner of a roadside eatery in Dalhousie Square mentioned that the price hike has forced them into tough decisions. “Gas prices have surged, and we must buy in bulk. To survive, we either need to increase food prices or reduce portion sizes,” he explained.

Meanwhile, worries about a potential shortage have resulted in long lines at LPG distribution centers, as many consumers rush to update their KYC details, fearing that failure to do so might disrupt their access to cooking gas cylinders.