Kolkata’s street-food prices could rise during Durga Puja as higher commercial LPG, onions, eggs, sugar and flour increase operating costs for vendors preparing for the festival rush. Popular items such as egg rolls, fish fry, chowmein and momos may become more expensive for pandal-hoppers this year.
According to a report cited by Sanmarg, the price of a 19-kilogram commercial LPG cylinder in Kolkata rose from Rs 2,884 in September to Rs 2,954 from October 1, an increase of Rs 70. Onion prices have also crossed Rs 70 per kilogram, while vendors are facing higher costs for eggs, sugar and refined flour.
The increases are affecting fast-food sellers in areas such as Bara Bazar and Esplanade, where temporary stalls and small outlets typically see strong demand during the festival. Vikas, a fast-food vendor in Bara Bazar, said higher sales during the festive period had previously helped businesses absorb rising costs. This year, however, several essential ingredients have become more expensive at the same time, making it difficult to maintain existing prices.
Refined flour used for rolls, parathas and fried snacks is selling in the wholesale market at between Rs 38 and Rs 52 per kilogram, depending on quality, according to the report. Higher egg prices are adding to the cost of egg rolls, egg chowmein and egg toast. Rising sugar prices are also putting pressure on tea stalls, sweet shops and bakeries.
For vendors, the immediate challenge is to recover higher operating expenses without sharply reducing customer demand. Festival visitors often depend on street food while moving between pandals, but sellers in busy areas are concerned that a steep price increase could lead customers to cut back on purchases or choose less expensive items.
The pressure extends beyond temporary festival stalls. Small restaurants, fast-food outlets and takeaway kitchens that rely on commercial LPG and regularly purchased vegetables, eggs and flour may also face higher costs. These businesses generally operate with limited space to absorb increases in fuel and ingredients, particularly during a period when competition for customers is intense.
The likely price changes could therefore affect both sides of Kolkata’s festival economy: vendors trying to protect their margins and residents planning their Durga Puja spending. For sellers, the coming days will involve balancing higher input costs with the need to remain affordable. For visitors, food expenses may need to be included more carefully in their pandal-hopping budgets.
