Kolkata LPG Shortage Sparks Illegal Cylinder Racket, Prices Skyrocket
In the wake of a severe LPG crisis gripping Kolkata, a rampant black market for commercial cylinders has surfaced, with prices being driven to exorbitant levels. Roadside eateries, particularly those located in the central business district, are now compelled to pay as much as Rs 3,000 or more for a single cylinder that officially costs Rs 2,000. This illicit trade is exploiting the high demand and low availability of cylinders, creating a dire situation for small food businesses.
Eatery Owners Struggle with Soaring Costs
The owner of a takeaway food joint on S N Banerjee Road revealed the financial strain, stating, "The LPG shortage is burning a hole in my pocket. I'm paying Rs 1,000 to Rs 1,200 extra per commercial cylinder. Last week, a delivery man demanded Rs 3,000, and after negotiation, I managed to reduce it by Rs 200. But on Thursday, he insisted on Rs 3,000 as the standard black-market price. If prices rise further, I won't be able to sustain my business, and I can't hike dish prices to compensate."
Another eatery owner near Moulali expressed similar concerns, "Paying Rs 3,000 for a 19-kg commercial cylinder is beyond our capacity. With kata gas unavailable due to police scrutiny, big eateries might switch cooking modes, but we can't. Shutting down isn't an option as this is our sole livelihood."
Dealers Highlight Grey Market Dynamics
According to LPG dealers, commercial cylinders are currently being sold in the grey market at prices 50% to 60% higher than normal due to the supply crunch. A dealer explained, "Over 70% of roadside eateries relied on domestic cylinders, but with tightened supply, they're forced into illegal purchases of commercial cylinders at inflated rates. The problem will persist until the situation normalizes."
Illegal Racket Involving Delivery Personnel
Sources indicate that some delivery personnel from dealers are actively participating in this illegal cylinder racket. They surreptitiously sell sealed commercial cylinders to eateries, with some cylinders even being filled with LPG transferred from domestic ones. In certain areas, the unofficial market price has escalated to Rs 4,000-Rs 5,000 per cylinder, prompting some eateries to explore alternative fuels like coal or wood.
Small Food Shops Hit Hardest
Small food vendors in office areas such as Dacres Lane are among the worst affected. A chowmein and roll seller lamented, "I had to reopen my stall after two days of closure to earn something. Rusty domestic cylinders are no longer available, and the same delivery people are selling commercial ones at steep prices. My stall is too small for coal or wood, and raising food prices would drive customers away."
The owner of a takeaway roll shop on Park Street added, "There's a long queue even on the black market. Delivery personnel are capitalizing on this crisis, making it nearly impossible for us to operate affordably."
This escalating situation underscores the urgent need for regulatory intervention to curb the black market and stabilize LPG supply, ensuring the survival of Kolkata's vibrant street food culture.
