The ongoing LPG gas crisis in Agra has begun to impact everyday life, especially for small food vendors and customers.
Due to the shortage of commercial LPG cylinders and rising gas prices, several food items such as tea, samosas, kachoris, and other street foods have become more expensive across the city.
Shopkeepers say that operating costs have increased sharply because commercial LPG cylinders are difficult to obtain and their prices have surged dramatically. As a result, vendors have been forced to increase food prices or even shut down parts of their businesses.
LPG Cylinder Shortage Driving Price Hikes
The shortage of commercial LPG cylinders in Agra has caused major disruptions for small eateries, tea stalls, and street food vendors.
According to shop owners, the price of a commercial cylinder has increased significantly and in some cases is not available even at ₹3,500.
Because LPG is the main fuel used in cooking at these establishments, the shortage has directly affected the cost of preparing food.
Vendors say they have little choice but to increase the prices of snacks and beverages to keep their businesses running.
Restaurant owner Pola Bhai from Kamla Nagar explained that the situation has become extremely difficult for businesses. He said that even at high prices, commercial cylinders are hard to find, forcing him to increase prices of some food items while stopping the sale of others.
Tea Prices Rise Sharply
One of the most noticeable effects of the LPG crisis is the sudden increase in the price of tea.
At many tea stalls in Agra, the price of a ₹10 cup of tea has now doubled to ₹20. In some places, kulhad tea that previously cost ₹20 has been increased to ₹25.
Tea vendor Omprakash from the Delhi Gate area in Hariparvat said that rising LPG prices forced him to increase the cost of tea. He also revealed that only one cylinder remains at his shop, and if a new cylinder is not available soon, it may become difficult to continue selling tea.
Previously busy tea stalls that served customers from morning until late night are now seeing reduced customer numbers due to higher prices and gas shortages.
Small Businesses Struggling to Survive
Many small food vendors are facing severe financial pressure due to the LPG crisis.
Tea seller Deepak Kumar said he had to close two of his tea shops because the cost of LPG cylinders had risen to ₹3,000–₹4,000. Running the shops at such high fuel costs became impossible.
To continue serving customers, he is now using induction stoves as an alternative to gas. However, this solution is not ideal because electricity costs are also increasing and cooking speed is slower.
Small vendors and daily wage earners who rely on these businesses for income are among the worst affected by the crisis.
Street Food Prices Increase Across Agra
The LPG shortage has not only affected tea prices but also other popular street foods.
Many shops across the city have raised the prices of snacks such as samosas, kachoris, chaat, and momos.
Price Changes in Popular Food Items
| Food Item | Previous Price | New Price |
|---|---|---|
| Bedhai | ₹10 | ₹14 |
| Kachori | ₹10 | ₹14 |
| Samosa | ₹10 | ₹14 |
| Onion Kachori | ₹15 | ₹20 |
| Bhalla | ₹40 | ₹50 |
| Momos | 10 pieces for ₹20 | 6 pieces for ₹20 |
These price increases are affecting customers, especially daily wage workers and middle-class families who rely on affordable street food for quick meals.
Customers Question Price Increases
Some residents believe that certain vendors may have increased prices unnecessarily.
Janaki Prasad from Langde Ki Chowki said that some shops are still using domestic LPG cylinders purchased at older prices, yet they have raised food prices.
Similarly, Vivek Kumar from Waterworks pointed out that while gas prices may have increased, the price hikes on street food seem larger than necessary.
This has sparked debates among customers about whether the price increases are justified.
Impact on Everyday Life
The LPG crisis is creating a ripple effect across Agra’s local economy. Rising food prices are putting pressure on the budgets of ordinary citizens while small businesses struggle to survive.
If the shortage of commercial LPG cylinders continues, experts warn that food prices could rise further, making daily meals more expensive for thousands of people.
Conclusion
The shortage of commercial LPG cylinders in Agra has significantly impacted both food vendors and customers. Rising fuel costs have forced shopkeepers to increase prices of tea, samosas, kachoris, and other snacks, while some businesses have been forced to shut down temporarily.
Until LPG supply stabilizes and prices return to normal, the city’s street food industry may continue facing challenges, leaving both vendors and customers dealing with higher costs.
FAQs
Why have tea and snack prices increased in Agra?
Prices have increased due to the shortage and rising cost of commercial LPG cylinders, which are used for cooking.
How much does a commercial LPG cylinder cost now?
Shopkeepers say commercial cylinders are costing up to ₹3,000–₹3,500 or more and are difficult to obtain.
Which food items have become more expensive?
Tea, samosas, kachoris, onion kachoris, bhalla, momos, and other street foods have seen significant price increases due to the gas crisis.