Lucknow University Canteen Prices Surge 40-60% Amid LPG Cost Crisis
Students across multiple institutions in Lucknow are grappling with a significant financial burden as canteen food prices have skyrocketed by 40 to 60 percent. The sharp increase affects campuses including Lucknow University (LU), Jai Narain Misra PG (JNMPG) College, and National PG College (NPGC), with vendors pointing to escalating LPG cylinder costs as the primary driver.
Detailed Price Increases Across Campuses
At the commerce canteen in Lucknow University, popular items have seen notable jumps. Chhola samosa, previously priced at Rs 25, now costs Rs 40, while tea has risen from Rs 15 to Rs 20, and maggie from Rs 40 to Rs 50. In the ONGC building canteen on campus, chhola samosa increased from Rs 25 to Rs 35. On the second campus, samosa prices doubled from Rs 10 to Rs 20, and tea surged from Rs 15 to Rs 25.
National PG College students face similar hikes, with frankie prices climbing from Rs 60 to Rs 90, samosas from Rs 10 to Rs 15, and noodles from Rs 60 to Rs 75. At JNMPG College, samosas now cost Rs 15 instead of Rs 10, tea increased to Rs 20 from Rs 15, and bread pakoda rose to Rs 30 from Rs 20.
Vendors Cite Unavoidable LPG Price Pressures
Canteen operators have defended the price adjustments as necessary due to rising operational costs. "The cost of LPG cylinders has gone up significantly, making it impossible to maintain earlier prices," explained one vendor who requested anonymity. Another operator highlighted logistical challenges, noting that regular cylinder bookings are delayed, forcing reliance on relatives and friends who provide cylinders at higher rates. "We cannot afford to shut down as this is our primary livelihood," he added, emphasizing the economic strain on small businesses.
Student Concerns Over Budget Management
The sudden price hikes have sparked widespread concern among students, who rely on canteens for affordable daily meals. "Day-to-day expenses have increased dramatically, making it hard to manage within a student's limited budget," said LU student Anurag Tomar. Vivek Mishra from JNMPG College echoed this sentiment, stating that even basic snacks are becoming prohibitively expensive for regular consumption. Devansh Singh from NPGC warned, "If prices continue to rise, many students will avoid canteens altogether, impacting both nutrition and social interactions on campus."
This situation underscores broader issues of inflation affecting educational institutions, where students and vendors alike are caught between rising costs and financial constraints. The price surge not only strains student budgets but also threatens the viability of campus canteens, essential for campus life and local livelihoods.
