War-driven gas price surge hits Hubballi’s street food vendors

Pic: Fuel costs force eateries to hike prices, shut shop or switch to slower wood-fired stoves (AI)Hubballi: The war-driven increase in gas prices has hit roadside food businesses in Hubballi hard, forcing several small vendors to shut down and others to raise prices to stay afloat.Many street food sellers have increased the prices of premium items by Rs 10 to Rs 15 to offset the rising cost of cooking fuel and other essentials. Vendors said the sudden hike has made them anxious that higher prices could drive away regular customers and cut daily sales.At several stalls, a single idli that earlier cost Rs 10 is now priced at Rs 15. Pulao prices have risen from Rs 30 to Rs 40 or Rs 45, while puri bhaji now costs Rs 55, up from Rs 40. Sources said the price increase has badly affected the vendors' main customers—labourers and private employees.Several vendors said they had no option but to raise prices. According to them, LPG cylinders are being sold for around Rs 3,500 in the black market, making it difficult to continue business at earlier rates.Sachin, a street vendor, said that roadside food businesses operate on thin margins, and even a small increase in fuel prices directly impacts their earnings. He said cooking gas was a basic necessity, not a luxury, and without it, preparing food quickly and efficiently was nearly impossible. Higher gas prices increased production costs, leaving vendors with only two choices: raise prices or incur losses.Another vendor, Sameena Naik, said customers, already struggling with inflation, may stop buying food if prices rise further. The uncertainty, she said, has created a stressful environment for small business owners trying to keep their stalls running.Some vendors have tried to cut costs by switching back to traditional wood-fired stoves. While this reduced fuel expenses to an extent, it created new challenges, as cooking took longer, required more effort and often failed to meet demand during peak hours.In fast-moving roadside food businesses, speed is critical, making dependence on LPG unavoidable. Despite trying alternative methods, many vendors continue to struggle with rising fuel costs and maintaining smooth service.