Vizag's Street Food Vendors Struggle Amid Deepening LPG Crisis
The bustling roadside eateries of Visakhapatnam, long cherished by locals for their affordable rotis, snacks, and fast food, are now facing an existential threat as a severe LPG shortage grips the city. With commercial LPG cylinders in critically short supply, vendors warn they may be forced to suspend operations entirely if the situation does not improve soon.
Menu Cuts and Price Hikes as Gas Supplies Dwindle
Across Vizag, stalls have been compelled to drastically trim their menus, eliminating high-gas dishes that were once customer favorites. Items like dosas, uttapams, and parathas have been dropped from many offerings due to their intensive LPG requirements. Some owners have already implemented food price increases, while others are contemplating temporary shutdowns as a last resort.
"We are buying cylinders from the black market," explained Kumar, a local stall owner. "What cost ₹2,000 earlier now costs nearly ₹3,000, and supply is still erratic. We had no choice but to increase food prices by ₹5–₹15."
Black Market Exploitation and Customer Resistance
The LPG shortage has created a thriving black market where cylinders are sold at inflated rates, sometimes exceeding 50% above normal prices. This has particularly impacted popular stalls selling rava dosa, chicken pakoda, biryani, and fried chicken—dishes typically priced between ₹120 and ₹150 per plate. Vendors now fear for their survival as customers resist paying higher prices.
Laxmi, another vendor, shared her predicament: "We had to raise the price of samosa and mirchi bajji by ₹5 because LPG costs have jumped over 50% in the black market." She expressed deep uncertainty about whether she can even open her stall in the coming days, as suppliers offer no clarity on delivery schedules.
Widespread Impact on Vizag's Food Culture
The combination of soaring black-market rates and dwindling supply has left hundreds of roadside eateries and small restaurants across Visakhapatnam struggling to stay afloat. These establishments form an integral part of the city's culinary landscape, providing affordable meals to thousands of residents daily. The crisis threatens not only business livelihoods but also the accessibility of budget-friendly dining options for Vizagites.
As vendors navigate this challenging period, the community watches anxiously, hoping for a resolution that will preserve the vibrant street food culture that has long defined Visakhapatnam's urban experience.
