Hyderabad: Eateries Increase Food Prices After LPG Hike

Hyderabad: Eateries have increased menu rates after oil marketing companies increased the price of commercial LPG cylinders on Wednesday.

The price of a 19-kg non-domestic LPG cylinder was increased by ₹214.50 in the Hyderabad market, taking it from ₹2,106.50 to ₹2,321. Domestic LPG cylinder prices remain unchanged. This is the second increase within a month. On March 7, the 19-kg commercial cylinder price was raised by ₹114, from ₹1,996.50 to ₹2,110.50. During the same period, the price of the domestic 14.2-kg cylinder was increased by ₹60, from ₹905 to ₹960.

Speaking to Deccan Chronicle, Telangana LPG Distributors Association representative Jagan Mohan Reddy said, “Global crude oil prices have increased. So there is no other alternative for the government.”

The price hike, along with supply shortages at commercial outlets, has led to higher food prices. Vendors across segments reported revising rates. At Radha Chat Bhandar near Suryalok Complex, items such as aloo chaat, dahi papdi, bhel puri and samosa chaat were increased by ₹10, taking the price to ₹50 per item. Tiffin centres also reported a ₹10 increase earlier in March, followed by another ₹10 hike on Wednesday.

“We are helpless, we are ending up paying close to double on the LPG, the shortage of the commercial supply led to the black market buying. Even after increasing the prices, we are ending up in losses,” said eatery owners.

The impact has extended to the aviation sector, with airfares rising following volatility in Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) prices. Industry sources said ticket prices have increased by around 20 per cent.

“Most of the airline operators started charging a flat surcharge from the mid-week of March itself. The ATF price hike follows a supply squeeze due to the potential disruption of shipping routes, though India maintains sufficient stock. Domestic carriers face higher operational costs, prompting carriers like Air India to introduce fuel surcharges of around `399 on domestic routes,” said Nitin Joseph of BMJ Travels.