Guwahati, May 1: Restaurants and hotels across Guwahati are under mounting pressure after a countrywide steep hike in commercial LPG prices came into effect on Friday, aggravating an ongoing supply crisis that has already strained the city’s hospitality sector for nearly two months.
The price of a 19 kg commercial LPG cylinder has jumped from ₹2,299 to ₹3,293 — an increase of ₹993 — in a single revision, reportedly linked to volatility in global energy markets. The sudden spike has significantly raised operating costs for eateries that rely heavily on LPG for daily cooking.
Industry stakeholders say the impact is immediate and severe. Many restaurant owners, already grappling with irregular LPG supply since March, are now being forced to consider menu price hikes or operational cutbacks.
Atul Lahkar, a Guwahati-based restaurateur, said the dual blow of supply shortages and price escalation has pushed businesses into a difficult corner. “We were already struggling due to inconsistent supply. Now, with this sharp increase, cost management has become extremely challenging. If we adjust menu prices, they could rise by up to 20%, which will directly affect customers,” he said, adding that some establishments have already shut down due to lack of LPG availability.
According to industry estimates, Guwahati has around 5,000 restaurants—ranging from small eateries to large establishments—many of which are now facing financial stress.
Another restaurant owner, Nirmal Deka, said businesses are trying to absorb the shock for now but may soon pass on the burden. “We have reduced menu items temporarily and are discussing a possible 5–10% price hike. The situation is serious, and some form of government relief is needed,” he said.
Echoing similar concerns, Silpukhuri-based restaurateur Debajit Deka said uncertainty looms large. “We are very tense. We haven’t increased prices yet, but we may have no option. A ₹20–30 increase per item seems likely. For the past two months, we’ve even had to procure cylinders from the black market due to shortages,” he said.
With input costs surging and supply disruptions persisting, the ripple effect is expected to reach consumers soon, as eateries prepare for inevitable price revisions. Industry players warn that unless supply stabilises and costs are moderated, more closures and cutbacks could follow in the coming weeks.
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