Shimla

Restaurant and eatery owners in Shimla have voiced strong opposition to the sharp increase in commercial LPG prices, warning that the move will drive up operating costs and eventually lead to higher food prices, adding to inflationary pressure.

The latest revision has pushed the price of a 19-kg commercial LPG cylinder up by Rs 993, taking the cost in Delhi to Rs 3,071.50 from May 1—the steepest single increase on record. Industry reports say this is the third consecutive monthly hike in commercial LPG rates, while domestic cylinder prices have remained unchanged.

Local traders in Shimla said their fears of a post-election price hike have materialised, with businesses now struggling to absorb the additional burden. Some shopkeepers pointed out that the cost of smaller 5-kg cylinders has also risen sharply, which could particularly affect daily wage earners, labourers, and small vendors.

Varun, who runs a sweet shop in Shimla, said the cost of a commercial cylinder, after including transportation and logistics, could now reach nearly Rs 3,450. He noted that the same amount earlier covered the cost of two cylinders, and warned that both local customers and tourists are likely to feel the impact as eateries may have no option but to revise menu prices.

Another shop owner from the city’s historic Ram Bazaar said businesses have so far avoided increasing food prices despite rising input costs, but maintaining current rates may not be sustainable for long. He added that delays in cylinder deliveries are further squeezing already thin profit margins.

Former Shimla Beopar Mandal president and hotelier Inderjeet Singh criticised the timing of the hike, saying hoteliers, dhaba operators, tea stalls, and small food businesses are among the worst affected. He cautioned that the additional cost would inevitably be passed on to consumers through higher food prices.

Communist Party of India (Marxist) leader Vijender Mehra also criticised the increase, calling it anti-people and demanding an immediate rollback. He warned of protests in Himachal Pradesh if the government does not reconsider the decision.

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Industry bodies across India have similarly warned that the sharp rise in commercial LPG prices could force restaurants to raise menu prices by 10–15 per cent in the coming weeks, with smaller businesses expected to face the greatest pressure.