A sharp rise in commercial LPG prices from April 1 is beginning to sting small food businesses in Delhi, with some eateries resorting to unconventional alternatives to stay afloat.
A viral video of a popular street-side poori vendor has caught widespread attention, showing an improvised setup where diesel is allegedly being used as a substitute cooking fuel. The clip highlights the struggles of small vendors to cope with soaring input costs.
The price of a 19 kg commercial LPG cylinder in Delhi has surged to Rs. 2,078.50, an increase of Rs. 195.50. Smaller 5 kg cylinders have also become more expensive, now costing Rs. 549 per refill, up by Rs. 51. For roadside eateries and small food joints, these hikes are proving difficult to manage without impacting daily operations.
Vendors say the situation is forcing tough choices. Raising food prices risks driving away customers while absorbing the cost cuts into already thin margins. Some are now experimenting with cheaper but unsafe alternatives.
The viral video underscores these challenges. The vendor, known locally for affordable breakfast offerings, appears to have modified his cooking system, a move that raises serious safety and public health concerns. Experts warn that using diesel in cooking can release harmful fumes and pose fire hazards.
As LPG prices continue to climb, small eateries across the city are under increasing pressure to survive. The footage serves as a stark snapshot of inflation on the ground, where the struggle to keep businesses running is pushing some to take such risks.