LPG shortage: Affordable food options in Bengaluru will be the first to shut down

LPG shortage threatens Bengaluru's roadside eateries, limiting affordable food options for urban workers and increasing customer uncertainty.

Bablu, a migrant from Uttar Pradesh who runs a roadside eatery in central Bengaluru, appears nervous even as he serves hot sweet corn, sandwiches and chowmein to the few customers gathered around.  

“I keep switching the gas supply on and off. Earlier, I used to leave it on always to keep the food items hot. But with the LPG crunch, I don’t know what I will do if this cylinder gets over,” he says, pointing to the 19 kg commercial cylinder near his cart. 

Many of the roadside eateries like that of Bablu’s, which provide affordable food to urban workers throughout the day, are staring at uncertain days with the LPG crisis hitting them hard. 

Nagendra B., who opens his cart during lunch time to sell roti, rice and non-veg gravies, among other dishes, says he is contemplating to limit the menu to items that can be cooked at home and later brought to the food stall. 

Madhav Kishan, another migrant worker from Uttar Pradesh, who has been running a stall selling chat, expresses concerns about the potential price hikes. 

“Domestic cylinders went up only by ₹60, whereas people like us have to now shell out an extra ₹150. With no sign to the war in West Asia, people are saying prices might go up again. What will people like us do?”