Ranchi: The price of a 19-kg commercial LPG cylinder in Ranchi rose by Rs 71.50 on Thursday, from Rs 2,933 to Rs 3,004.50, adding to the operating costs of restaurants, eateries, caterers and small food businesses just as the festive season begins.Officials of Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (IOCL) said the revised rate came into effect from Thursday. Commercial LPG prices have seen repeated revisions in Ranchi this year, with the rate crossing Rs 3,000 earlier in the year before declining in July and Aug. The Sept increase to Rs 2,933 was followed by Thursday’s Rs 71.50 hike, taking the price above the Rs 3,000 mark again.FJCCI president Tulsi Patel said the immediate concern should be preventing shortages and disruptions during the festive rush. “Attention should be given to the supply chain. We will write to the Centre and magistrates regarding this. The manufacturing side also needs to be discussed. In a crisis, everyone has to be cautious with resources and the burden should not be passed on to the public,” Patel said.Restaurant and eatery operators said LPG is a recurring cost and even a relatively small increase becomes significant for establishments using several cylinders a day. They said festive demand for sweets, snacks, fast food and catering could further increase consumption.Deepak Mahato, a seasonal vendor at Station Road, said, “During the year, I am busy with college and do not run the stall regularly. Durga Puja is the one time when I take out several days to put up this stall at Station Road, and my entire family joins me. We plan our earnings for the festival season because this business helps us meet several expenses. If LPG costs more, our daily operating expenses will rise during the very period when we are trying to earn the most.”
