Ahmedabad: The food industry in Ahmedabad has been facing significant challenges over the past few weeks due to curbs on the supply of commercial LPG cylinders and a sharp rise in coal prices.

According to traders, the restricted supply of commercial LPG has forced many hotels and eateries to shift to coal as an alternative fuel, resulting in a surge in both demand and prices. The cost of coal has reportedly increased by ₹20 per kg, from around ₹30 per kg before March to nearly ₹50 per kg at present.

Hotel operators said that despite the higher prices, coal is not easily available, and supplies are often delayed even after advance payment. In several establishments, cooking is now being carried out on coal stoves, while some roadside dhabas have started using firewood as fuel.

The shift has also led to increased labour requirements, longer cooking times, and higher operational costs. Traders further claimed that in some areas, LPG cylinders are being sold at inflated prices on the black market.

Price Hike Hits Consumers

The rising fuel costs have begun to directly impact consumers, with food prices increasing across the city. Traders on Ring Road said prices of various items have gone up by ₹5 to ₹25, depending on the product.

Consumers are now paying more for items such as momos, samosas, kachori, idli-dosa, Chinese dishes, burgers, pizza, chole-bhature, pav bhaji, dabeli, and vada pav. However, some vendors have chosen not to raise prices in an effort to retain customers. DeshGujarat