Fuel panic turns into a daily challenge for roadside food kiosks in Hyderabad

Pushed out of the narrative of fuel shortage in Hyderabad are the countless small and medium-sized food kiosk owners who keep the city running. “A plate of idly now is ₹40. Earlier it was Rs. 30. Why? I used to get a commercial cylinder for ₹1800, now it is not available even for ₹6000,” says Praveen who runs Durga Bhavani Tiffins in Yellareddyguda. 

Yards away is Lama Chinese Fast Food where the prices have gone up by ₹10 per food item. “I am caught in a bind. If I increase it too much, I will lose customers. I have already lost. I am never free around this time but see,” says the owner pointing to empty chairs in the small outlet.