Pandal-hopping in Kolkata could leave a bigger dent in the pocket this Durga Puja, with street-food vendors grappling with rising cooking gas and ingredient costs. From egg rolls and chowmein to tea and snacks, the prices of everyday favourites may go up as sellers struggle to protect their margins during the festive rush.
Commercial LPG prices in Kolkata have risen by Rs 70 per 19kg cylinder, from Rs 2,884 in September to Rs 2,954 from October 1. At the same time, onions have crossed Rs 70 per kg, while eggs, sugar and maida have also become more expensive.
The timing has added to vendors' concerns, with temporary food stalls preparing to cater to thousands of pandal-hoppers across areas such as Rashbehari Avenue, Gariahat, Esplanade and north Kolkata.
Rising input costs squeeze street-food vendors
For roadside eateries, cooking gas and basic ingredients account for a substantial part of daily expenses. Maida, used in rolls, parathas and several fried snacks, is selling at Rs 38 to Rs 52 per kg in wholesale markets, depending on quality. Higher egg prices are adding to the cost of egg rolls, egg chowmein and egg-toast.
“Earlier, we could absorb small increases in the prices of ingredients because Durga Puja brought higher sales. But this time, almost everything has become costlier — cooking gas, onions, eggs, maida and sugar. We can’t continue selling rolls and chowmein at the old rates without compromising our earnings. Customers may have to pay a little more,” Shankar Rakshit, a fast-food vendor on Rashbehari Avenue, told The Times of India.
Sugar prices have also added to the pressure on tea stalls, sweet shops and bakeries. Bakers have already increased the prices of bread and cake, with the higher costs now affecting roadside eateries as well.
Vendors caught between costs and demand
At Esplanade, where food stalls draw commuters, shoppers and pandal-hoppers, sellers fear that raising prices too sharply could discourage customers.
“Puja is the biggest earning season for many of us. But customers are also price-conscious. If we increase the price of every item, some may buy less. Yet maintaining the old rates is becoming increasingly difficult. We are caught between rising costs and customers’ expectations,” street-food seller Raghu Pradhan told TOI.
Small restaurants, fast-food outlets and takeaway kitchens that rely on commercial LPG and daily purchases of vegetables, eggs and flour could face similar pressure.
Pandal-hoppers may have to budget more
For many families, food stops are an essential part of Puja outings. But even small increases across several meals and snacks could add up over a night of pandal-hopping.
“We plan our puja outings around food stops. An egg roll here, a plate of chowmein there, followed by tea and sweets — that is part of the excitement. But when every stop becomes more expensive, the combined bill for an entire family can be substantial. This year, we may have to budget for food as carefully as transport,” Lalit Bhagat, a pandal-hopper told TOI.
With input costs climbing ahead of the festival, vendors and customers are preparing for a costlier Puja food trail.