In recent weeks, commercial LPG rates have risen by Rs 70 per cylinder, onions have crossed Rs 70 a kg and eggs, sugar and maida have become dearer
We are caught between rising costs and customers’ expectations,” said street-food seller Raghu Pradhan. The price shock comes just as thousands of temporary food counters prepare to spring up along popular pandal-hopping routes. At Esplanade, where food stalls cater to commuters, shoppers and pandal-hoppers, traders fear a sharp price hike could hurt sales. “Puja is the biggest earning season for many of us. But customers are also price-conscious. If we increase the price of every item, some may buy less. Yet maintaining the old rates is becoming increasingly difficult. The squeeze is unlikely to remain confined to makeshift counters. Small restaurants, fast-food outlets and takeaway kitchens that depend on commercial LPG and daily purchases of vegetables, eggs and flour are also vulnerable to the price escalation. You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Kolkata | Silver Rate in Kolkata | Bank Holidays in Kolkata | Public Holidays in Kolkata | Kolkata AQI | Weather in Kolkata | Petrol Price in Kolkata | Diesel Price in Kolkata | CNG Price in Kolkata | LPG Price in Kolkata
From Rashbehari Avenue and Gariahat to Esplanade and north Kolkata, vendors who depend on the festive rush say their profit margins are being squeezed even before the celebrations begin.