Skyrocketing gas prices leave small scale eateries in a pickle

Trichy: A steep surge in LPG prices is pushing many small-scale eateries and tea stalls to the brink. What began as a supply issue has now escalated into a survival crisis for small food businesses. While mid-sized and larger establishments are managing to cope, tea shops, modest eateries and street vendors are struggling to sustain daily operations."The commercial gas cylinder, which earlier sold for 1,600–1,700, is now being sold for 4,800–5,000 in the black market. How can a small tea shop with limited returns afford this and continue operations? Many stalls have either shut down or are operating only when they are able to procure gas. This crisis has hit small establishments the hardest," said Rawthore Shah, district president of the Trichy Tea Stall Owners' Association.Several eateries have already shut down services, with some outlets listed on one of the food aggregator apps displaying ‘Closed due to ongoing LPG issue.' Street vendors told TOI that they have reduced menu options and are operating on alternate days to cope. "I increased the price of a vada by 1, but customers still complain. The gas I have will last only for today; from tomorrow (Tuesday), I may have to shut. I have a family to support," said R Manjula, a street vendor. At a mid-sized bakery in Karumandapam, samosas are no longer being sold. "Only puffs are available as they are made using an oven, not gas," a worker at BG Naidu Sweets & Bakes said. The crisis is also affecting annadanam services at key temples, including the Srirangam Ranganathaswamy Temple and the Samayapuram Mariamman Temple. "Currently, we are facing a shortage of gas supply. As a temporary alternative, we have switched to traditional firewood stoves. However, cooking with firewood is slower and less efficient. With the Tamil month of Panguni, the number of devotees has also increased significantly," a HR&CE source said.