Exorbitant Prices Emerge
Many small-scale food businesses in Kolkata are facing an unprecedented crisis as the cost of commercial LPG cylinders has skyrocketed. What was once a standard purchase is now a significant financial
burden, with many eatery owners reporting being asked to pay as much as ₹3,000 for a single 19-kg cylinder. This price hike, often described as the 'standard price of a blue cylinder on black,' represents a drastic increase from the official rates. For owners of small stalls and takeaway joints, this surge is particularly devastating, as they operate on thin margins and cannot afford to absorb such substantial costs. The fear of business failure looms large, with many unable to raise the prices of their dishes to match the escalating fuel expenses. The situation forces them into a difficult choice between succumbing to these inflated prices or facing closure, jeopardizing their sole source of livelihood.
Black Market Flourishes
The current LPG crisis in Kolkata has unfortunately created a fertile ground for an illegal cylinder sale racket. Commercial cylinders are being openly sold in the grey market at prices that are 50% to 60% higher than the official rates, driven by an intense demand and a severe shortage in legitimate supply channels. This situation is largely attributed to a crackdown on the misuse of domestic LPG cylinders by numerous roadside eateries, which previously relied on them for their operations. With domestic cylinders now under scrutiny, these establishments are compelled to seek commercial alternatives, even if it means paying inflated prices for them, which is technically against regulations. Some dealers suggest that certain delivery personnel are complicit in this illicit trade, surreptitiously selling sealed commercial cylinders, while others are involved in transferring LPG from domestic cylinders to meet the demand. In some extreme cases, the unofficial market price for a 19-kg cylinder has reportedly reached as high as ₹4,000 to ₹5,000, pushing some businesses to the brink and compelling them to explore less efficient and potentially more costly cooking fuels like coal or wood.
Small Businesses Hit Hardest
The owners of small food shops, particularly those in busy commercial areas like Dacres Lane, are bearing the brunt of this unauthorized sale of commercial cylinders at steep prices. These entrepreneurs, often running single-stall operations, find it incredibly challenging to adapt to the volatile market. One chowmein and roll seller shared his struggle, having to shut his stall for two days but ultimately reopening to earn a meager income. He noted that the usual supply of domestic cylinders has ceased, and the same delivery personnel are now offering commercial cylinders at exorbitant rates. The feasibility of switching to coal or wood is questionable for his small setup, and increasing food prices risks alienating his customer base, further impacting his sales. Similarly, a takeaway roll shop owner on Park Street highlighted the extensive queues even in the black market for LPG cylinders, with delivery personnel exploiting the crisis. He expressed the financial strain of paying an additional ₹1,000-₹1,200 for a commercial cylinder, which now costs around ₹2,000, but is being sold for ₹3,000 by delivery agents from local dealer offices.
