Chennai LPG Crisis Forces Hundreds of Eateries to Shut Down or Hike Prices
A month into a severe LPG shortage gripping Chennai, the city's small eateries and tea shops are facing an existential crisis. Hundreds have been forced to either shut down completely or implement sharp price increases, leaving customers paying almost double for basic items such as tea, coffee, and snacks. The situation has deteriorated significantly over the past week, with even establishments relying on domestic cylinders now struggling to procure any type of LPG.
Widespread Closures and Soaring Costs
Across key neighborhoods including Nungambakkam, Vadapalani, T Nagar, Velachery, Pallavaram, and Tambaram, roadside shops have downed their shutters, displaying notices citing cylinder unavailability. For those still operating, steep price variations have emerged. In Nungambakkam, the price for a cup of tea has surged from 12 to 20 rupees, while in Tambaram, it is being sold for as high as 25 rupees.
In Adyar, popular snacks like samosa, bajji, bonda, and bread omelette are now being sold at nearly double their earlier prices. A bread omelette that once cost between 40 and 60 rupees is now priced at 100 rupees in several outlets, highlighting the severe impact on everyday affordability.
Association Denials and Black Market Surge
Despite these widespread increases, hotel and tea shop associations have denied any collective decision to hike prices. V Kamaraj, secretary of the Tea Shop Owners Association in Tambaram, stated, "Despite a growing demand for cylinders in the city, no decision has been made by the association to increase the prices of tea and coffee. Shops, however, can decide the selling price themselves."
The shortage has triggered a surge in black market prices for commercial LPG cylinders. Traders report that prices have jumped from around 3,000 to 5,000 rupees in recent weeks and have now touched 7,000 rupees, making it unaffordable for many small vendors. This black market activity exacerbates the crisis, pushing operational costs beyond sustainable limits.
Personal Stories of Struggle
M Sudhakar, a tea shop owner in Pallavaram, shared his dire situation: "We used to buy commercial cylinders for 1,800 rupees. Even 3,000 rupees was manageable, but beyond that it is very difficult. We booked a cylinder 25 days ago, but haven't received a replacement yet. We will have to shut the shop until we get gas." His story reflects the broader unsustainable operations faced by many small business owners across the city.
The LPG shortage in Chennai is not just a supply issue but a full-blown economic and social crisis, disrupting daily life and threatening the livelihoods of countless small entrepreneurs. As the situation continues, residents and vendors alike await urgent solutions to restore normalcy.
