01 June,2026 10:18 PM IST | Mumbai | Anushree Gaikwad
The hike comes at a time when businesses are already dealing with higher fuel and transportation expenses. Pics/ Anushree Gaikwad
The prices of Mumbai's popular street food items, including tea, vada pav and samosas, are likely to increase after a steep hike in commercial LPG cylinder prices burdened restaurants, eateries and small food businesses across the city.
Commercial LPG prices in Mumbai on Monday have nearly doubled in the first six months of 2026, raising concerns among hotel owners, tea stall operators and food vendors who are already grappling with rising operational costs.
The price of a 19-kg commercial LPG cylinder has increased from Rs 1,642.50 in January to Rs 3,067.50 in June, registering a sharp rise of Rs 1,425 within six months. The steepest hike came in May, when prices surged by Rs 993 in a single revision, followed by another increase of Rs 43.50 on the first day of June.
The sharp rise in fuel costs has severely affected Mumbai's food stalls, tea shops and snack centres, with many vendors fearing losses and reduced profits.
Speaking to mid-day.com, Rohit, 37, who runs Saiba Amrutulya Tea Shop in Bandra East, said the increase in LPG prices has made it difficult for small businesses to survive.
Saiba Amrutulya Tea Shop in Mumbai's Bandra East. Pic/ Anushree Gaikwad.
"We are facing losses of around 5 to 10 per cent because of the commercial LPG price hike. We may have to increase prices in the future, but we cannot do it immediately because the tea business is highly competitive and there are several stalls in the area. We may lose customers if we increase prices now, though eventually all tea stalls may be forced to raise rates," he said.
Rohit added that increasing electricity bills, shop rents and rising costs of ingredients needed to make the tea have already put pressure on small businesses, and the LPG price hike has worsened the situation further.
Kishor Singh, owner of Bikaner's Snacks and Sweets in Bandra East, said the price hike is expected to impact Mumbai's famous snacks.
Bikaner Snacks and Sweets in Mumbai's Bandra East. Pic/ Anushree Gaikwad
"We will increase the prices of food items such as samosas, vada pav and sweets. Samosa and vada pav prices may rise by Rs 5 to Rs 10. The LPG cylinder price hike has affected our profits, and we fear customers will also be impacted once the rates of Mumbai's popular food items increase," he told mid-day.com.
The LPG cylinder price hike comes at a time when businesses are already dealing with higher fuel and transportation expenses.
Oil marketing companies have also increased the prices of 5-kg Free Trade LPG (FTL) cylinders by Rs 11. In Delhi, a 5-kg FTL cylinder now costs Rs 821.50. However, there has been no change in domestic LPG cylinder prices, offering some relief to household consumers.
The impact of the LPG cylinder price hike is being felt across major Indian cities. A 19-kg commercial cylinder now costs Rs 3,024.50 in Mumbai, Rs 3,067 in Chennai, Rs 3,294 in Hyderabad and Rs 3,322 in Patna, making commercial fuel significantly more expensive for businesses across urban centres.
