Eateries, tea stalls in Erode brace for impact of LPG price rise

The increase in the price of commercial LPG cylinders by ₹203 on Tuesday (March 31, 2026) has come as a shock to restaurants, tea stalls and hotels, which said their already strained businesses would be hit further if they passed on the burden to consumers by raising prices.

Commercial cylinders are the only source of fuel for thousands of eateries, snack bars, tea shops, bakeries, food vendors and catering units. Since the outbreak of the West Asia conflict on February 28, 2026, the price of a 19-kg commercial cylinder has increased from ₹1,856 to ₹2,300. Vendors allege that a supply deficit has forced them to procure cylinders at steep prices ranging from ₹3,000 to ₹4,500.