Restaurant Food To Get Costlier By Up To 15% As Commercial LPG Prices Surge
Restaurant Food To Get Costlier By Up To 15% As Commercial LPG Prices Surge ( Representative Image )
₹1,332 cumulative hike in 19-kg cylinders pushes hospitality sector under pressure
Eating out is set to become more expensive as hotels and restaurants across India prepare to raise food prices following a sharp increase in commercial LPG rates. Industry bodies have warned that menu prices could rise by 10–15% in the coming weeks.
The latest hike of ₹993 in commercial LPG prices, effective May 1, has taken the cost of a 19-kg cylinder to a record ₹3,071.50. This comes after earlier increases of ₹195.50 in April and ₹144 in March, taking the total rise to ₹1,332.50 within a short span.
The hospitality sector, already dealing with supply disruptions and operational challenges, has described the increase as a major setback. Industry representatives say the rising cost of fuel has significantly increased operational expenses, making it difficult for businesses to sustain without passing on some of the burden to customers.
Pradeep Shetty, vice-president of the Federation of Hotel and Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI), said that a 10–15% increase in food prices is “almost certain,” although even this may not fully offset the rising costs. He highlighted that many establishments are already functioning with reduced capacity, limited menus, and tighter margins.
The impact is expected to be widespread, affecting everything from small eateries to large restaurants. With LPG being a primary fuel source for cooking, the price surge directly affects daily operations. Business owners warn that continued cost pressure could lead to further closures and job losses in the sector.
The situation is further complicated by global factors, including supply disruptions linked to geopolitical tensions, which have already strained the hospitality industry. The additional burden of rising LPG prices is now intensifying concerns about long-term sustainability.
Industry bodies have urged the government to intervene and roll back the latest hike, warning that failure to do so could deepen the crisis. They argue that without relief measures, many businesses may struggle to remain viable in the coming months.
For consumers, this means dining out could soon become noticeably more expensive, as restaurants adjust prices to cope with rising input costs.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes and reflects industry trends; actual price changes may vary by location and establishment.
