Kolkata street food prices are set to rise during Durga Puja as higher commercial LPG and kitchen ingredient costs put pressure on vendors selling egg rolls, fish fry, chowmein and momos across the city.
The increase could affect the food budgets of people visiting pandals during the festival. According to a report cited by Sanmarg, vendors are finding it difficult to continue selling at existing prices as the cost of cooking fuel, flour, eggs, onions and sugar rises.
The price of a 19-kilogram commercial LPG cylinder in Kolkata increased from Rs 2,884 in September to Rs 2,954 from October 1, adding Rs 70 to a key operating cost for street food sellers and small food businesses. Onion prices have also crossed Rs 70 per kilogram, while higher prices for eggs, sugar and refined flour have increased the cost of preparing fast-food items.
Vikas, a fast-food vendor in Burrabazar, said that vendors could previously use higher festival sales to offset increased costs. This year, however, the rise has affected several essential ingredients at the same time, making it difficult to retain older prices for rolls and chowmein, according to the report.
Refined flour used in rolls, parathas and fried snacks is selling in the wholesale market at between Rs 38 and Rs 52 per kilogram, depending on quality. The increase in egg prices is affecting egg rolls, egg chowmein and egg toast. Higher sugar prices are also adding pressure to tea shops, sweet shops and bakeries.
The cost pressure is particularly significant during Durga Puja because festival footfall brings a major sales opportunity for vendors. Sellers in busy areas such as Esplanade are concerned that a sharp increase in menu prices could reduce customer purchases. At the same time, maintaining existing prices could reduce already pressured margins.
The impact may extend beyond temporary festival stalls. Small restaurants, fast-food outlets and takeaway kitchens that depend on commercial LPG and frequently purchased vegetables, eggs and flour are also exposed to the same cost increases. These businesses must balance higher operating expenses with customers’ ability to spend during the festival.
For pandal visitors, the likely result is a higher overall food budget while moving between neighbourhoods and festival venues. The report indicates that vendors are preparing to revise prices, although the extent of the increase has not been specified. Customers may therefore need to plan their food spending alongside travel and other Durga Puja expenses.
