A post on Reddit discussing the alleged impact of LPG shortage on food prices in Bengaluru caught the attention of social media users, with many debating whether the price hike mentioned in the post was justified.
A post shared by a user named “riderjohny07” on the r/bangalore subreddit describes what the author calls the “ground reality” of the LPG crisis, especially for those who depend on available food vendors near workplaces.
According to the user, they are currently staying in Paying Guest (PG) accommodation where meals are included at no extra charge. However, the food options are basic, usually limited to rice, dal and sambhar.
Despite the limited menu, the user said that after four years of engineering studies, he got used to simple food.
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“So I live in PG and they provide food without any extra charges or rents (although food is limited to rice, dal and sambhar). But that’s the least of my worries because my four years of engineering have taught me how to survive on the bare minimum without complaining,” wrote a Reddit user.
However, the problem arose with the user’s regular lunch vendor near their office, which sells home-cooked meals prepared outside and delivered to the area.
These meals usually include rice, dal or sambhar and a vegetable curry, offering a more varied option compared to the PG menu.
A Reddit user said that the price of food suddenly increased ₹40 to ₹60 per plate, which they say the seller attributes to the ongoing LPG crisis.
“The cost of vegetable food has suddenly increased ₹40 to ₹60 (50% increase). Freakin ₹20 per plate,” the user wrote.
They also expressed skepticism that the price would return to earlier levels even if the situation improves.
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“I don’t think it will decrease even after the situation calms down or things get back to normal,” the post added.
The user went on to try to break down the economics behind the price hike, claiming that the numbers don’t seem to fully add up.
According to the post, if a vendor sells around 50 plates a day, ₹20 increase for food would translate into ₹1000 additional daily income.
“Even if the vendor sells 50 plates a day… that. ₹1000 of additional income alone is worth buying a full cylinder. Math is not math,” the user wrote.
They concluded that the price increase will continue to affect them every time they pay for lunch.
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“PG food is basic but manageable; my usual lunch vendor has increased the price of food.” ₹40 to ₹60 with reference to the LPG crisis; A 50% increase that probably won’t go down later; I feel like the math doesn’t quite add up,” the user summed up in the post.
The post soon sparked a wave of reactions from other Reddit users, many of whom shared their own experiences with rising food prices in the city. Several panelists debated whether small grocers are really struggling with higher fuel costs or are simply raising prices in response to the situation.
One user commented: “In a capitalist free market you expect justice… it runs on greed man.”
Another user drew attention to the spike in cooking gas prices, writing: “The cylinder in black used to be available at ₹1,100, it costs at least now ₹2000.”
Some responses were more cynical about how businesses might respond to the crisis. One user claimed: “My uncle owns a chain of restaurants. He recently booked a luxury car (some BMW model, don’t know which one) that relies on this additional LPG income. He is not going to remove the shortage surcharge and told us he will quietly include it in the MRP itself and remove the surcharge later.”
Others have argued that the price increase may simply be a reflection of supply and demand pressures. “It is a supply and demand problem. Because the problem is not clear enough, the problem persists. Hopefully, once the availability improves, the prices should return to normal. As you can see in the bills of most of the hotels, they have mentioned the increase in LPG prices. The small sellers have increased the rates by ₹5– ₹20 depending on the dish,” another user wrote.
While some commenters sympathized with the sellers, noting that the cost of cooking gas, ingredients, and shipping may have risen at the same time, others echoed the original poster’s concern that a temporary shortage could lead to permanent price increases.
“They are just using the LPG issue to increase the price. And so far they have a good excuse. Once the situation calms down, they will not reduce the price and say that the cost of raw materials has increased so the prices will remain the same,” wrote another user.
(This report is based on user-generated content from social media. Livemint has not independently verified and does not endorse these claims.)
