Pune: Vada Pav Prices Surge by ₹3 to ₹5 Due to Rising Costs of Onions, Potatoes, and Grains
Pune residents are feeling the pinch of rising food prices as inflation drives up the cost of popular dishes like vada pav, parathas, and other snacks. The surge in raw material prices at the start of the new year has forced hotel owners and street food vendors to increase menu prices, impacting food lovers across the city.
Soaring Raw Material Costs
Over the past month, essential ingredients like rice, wheat, jowar, and pulses have seen price hikes ranging from ₹7 to ₹15 per kilogram. Pulses such as tur, masoor, moong, and chana have crossed ₹100 per kilogram. Although oil prices have dropped slightly, they remain high at ₹140 to ₹145 per litre, adding to the financial burden on the food industry.
Onion prices, in particular, have skyrocketed, severely affecting small-scale vendors who depend on this key ingredient for snacks like vada pav and bhaji. As a result, prices for these popular snacks have increased by ₹3 to ₹5 each. Breakfast staples such as poha have also seen a price rise of ₹5 to ₹7 per kilogram, further straining household budgets.
Impact on Eateries and Budget-Friendly Meals
Small, local eateries that were known for their affordable meals have also been hit hard. Students and budget-conscious customers are struggling to cope with higher costs in local canteens. Home-style eateries, which previously offered rice plates for ₹70, have raised their prices to ₹90, while restaurant prices have gone up from ₹110 to ₹130.
President of the Pune Restaurant and Hotel Association, highlighted to media the challenges faced by the industry. “We can bear up to a 4-5% increase in prices, but right now, things have gone up by 10-15%. Pulses, leafy vegetables, onions, and potatoes—essential ingredients in hotel kitchens—have become significantly costlier. This leaves restaurant owners with no choice but to pass on the burden to customers,” he explained.
The Growing Burden on Consumers
The rising cost of living is making it increasingly difficult for average citizens to afford meals outside their homes. The trend is expected to persist unless there is a significant reduction in the prices of essential commodities.
As food establishments in Pune grapple with maintaining quality while managing costs, the city’s residents are left hoping for a respite from the relentless price hikes.
