The ₹991 increase in the price of 19-kg commercial LPG cylinders, effective May 1, has hit hotels, eateries, tea and snack shops, bakeries, and roadside vendors across the district, with many fearing customer resistance to further price hikes and contemplating job cuts.

Commercial cylinders remain the primary source of fuel for thousands of establishments, including food vendors and catering units. Traders attribute the surge to supply disruptions following the West Asia conflict that began on February 28, 2026, which has also led to shortages. Prices have climbed steadily this year, from ₹1,806 in January to ₹2,203 in April, before the latest jump to ₹3,194. Vendors say that, owing to limited supply, they have been procuring cylinders in the open market at ₹4,000 to ₹6,000.