Restaurants and street food vendors in Greater Noida are facing severe difficulties due to an ongoing shortage of LPG cylinders, with several business owners warning that they may soon be forced to shut down operations if the situation does not improve. Local traders say that cylinders are either unavailable or are being sold at nearly double the usual price, making it increasingly difficult for them to sustain their businesses.
The shortage has particularly affected small restaurant owners and street food vendors who rely heavily on LPG cylinders for daily cooking operations. Many of them claim that the rising prices and limited availability of cylinders are putting their livelihoods at risk. Traders have urged the government and authorities to take immediate action to stop black marketing and ensure a steady supply of LPG cylinders.
A ground report conducted in Jagat Farm Market in Greater Noida highlighted the extent of the crisis faced by food vendors and restaurant owners. Several business operators spoke about the difficulties they are encountering due to the shortage and rising prices of LPG cylinders.
Vishal Bhati, owner of Om Restaurant in Jagat Farm Market, said his restaurant is on the verge of closure because he is unable to secure the number of LPG cylinders required to run his kitchen. According to Bhati, even when cylinders are available in the market, they are being sold at extremely high prices.
Bhati explained that the sudden increase in cylinder prices has forced him to raise the prices of food items on his restaurant’s menu. He said that the situation is becoming increasingly unsustainable for small business owners.
“Cylinder prices have almost doubled, which has forced us to increase the prices of our menu items. If we do not receive cylinders within the next one or two days, we may have to shut down the restaurant. That would leave us with no means of livelihood,” Bhati said.
He also pointed out that his restaurant employs between 12 and 15 workers, all of whom depend on the business for their income. If the restaurant shuts down due to the cylinder shortage, these workers could lose their jobs as well.
Other vendors in the area have reported similar problems. Saurabh, a street food vendor who sells pav bhaji, biryani and dosa, confirmed that the shortage of LPG cylinders has severely affected his daily operations. According to him, his business requires a steady supply of cylinders every day to continue cooking and serving customers.
However, Saurabh said that cylinders are currently difficult to obtain. He added that the prices of cylinders have increased dramatically in recent days.
“Earlier, a cylinder used to cost around ₹1,500. Now it is being sold for nearly ₹3,000. At these prices, it becomes impossible for small vendors like us to survive. If this continues, we will be forced to shut down our work,” he said.
Another vendor, Chandrabhan, who operates a tikki stall in the market, also expressed serious concern over the situation. He said that LPG cylinders are essential for running his food stall and without them he cannot continue his business.
“Our livelihood depends entirely on LPG cylinders. But they are not available right now, and even when we manage to find one, the price is extremely high,” Chandrabhan said.
He added that he had moved to Greater Noida from another district in search of employment opportunities. However, if the current situation continues and cylinders remain unavailable, he may be forced to close his business and return to his village.
Several traders in the area have alleged that black marketing may be contributing to the shortage. According to them, commercial LPG cylinders are being diverted and sold at inflated prices in the open market. They have urged authorities to investigate the issue and take strict action against those involved in illegal trading and hoarding.
Restaurant owners and street vendors have also appealed to the government to ensure regular supply of LPG cylinders for commercial use. They say that without a stable supply and fair pricing, it will become increasingly difficult for small businesses in the food sector to operate.
The shortage has raised concerns about the broader impact on the local food industry in Greater Noida. Many small eateries, roadside stalls and restaurants rely heavily on LPG cylinders for cooking. If the supply disruption continues, it could lead to widespread closures and loss of employment for workers associated with the food business.
Local traders are now hoping that authorities will intervene quickly to address the issue, stop black marketing and restore normal supply of LPG cylinders so that businesses can continue operating without disruption.
