Commercial LPG Price Hike and Supply Crisis Threaten Nagpur Restaurants Nagpur: A dramatic increase in commercial liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinder prices, effective May 1, combined with persistent supply shortages and rampant black market activity, has driven restaurants and eateries in Nagpur into a severe financial crisis. Industry representatives warn that the situation is becoming unsustainable, forcing many businesses to reconsider their operations and pricing strategies. The price of a 19-kg commercial LPG cylinder has surged to Rs3,248, a sharp rise from Rs2,059 previously and significantly higher than the pre-crisis level of Rs1,944. This abrupt hike has compounded existing challenges, as establishments already struggle with irregular supply and reliance on black market purchases to maintain kitchen operations. According to multiple sources, commercial LPG cylinders are being sold in the black market at rates ranging from Rs3,500 to Rs4,500 per cylinder. With the official price already at an elevated level, there are growing concerns that illegal market rates may continue to rise, further burdening small and medium-sized food businesses. Restaurant owner Rahul Gupta highlighted the immediate impact on operational margins, stating, “The price hike directly impacts our margins. The only way forward now is to cut down the menu.” Another hotelier, who requested anonymity, pointed out that supply has not fully normalized despite official claims. “Black marketing is still happening on a large scale. Even after reducing consumption, some establishments still require four to five cylinders daily. This alone increases operational costs by around Rs5,000 per day,” he said. The crisis has also prompted a shift in energy sources for some businesses.#nagpur #lpg_crisis #bablu_tiwari #rahul_gupta #sharique_hafeez
