In Ahmedabad, the price of a 19-kg commercial LPG cylinder has surged by ₹993, bringing the total to ₹3,091. This marks the third consecutive monthly increase and is attributed to rising global energy prices amid ongoing conflicts in West Asia. The hike is expected to significantly affect restaurants, hotels, and street food vendors, many of whom rely heavily on LPG for cooking. Industry experts predict that food prices may rise by 20-30% or portion sizes may shrink as businesses struggle to cope with the increased operational costs. Small eateries, particularly those lacking access to piped natural gas (PNG), face critical pressure as LPG remains their primary fuel source. Restaurateurs like Ankit Gupta emphasize that even a small increase in gas prices can disproportionately affect kitchen economics, especially when combined with other volatile costs like edible oils and labor. Many are now considering alternatives such as induction cooking and coal-based stoves to mitigate the impact of rising LPG prices.