Kerala's vibrant food street culture is under threat due to a significant shortage of commercial liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders, exacerbated by geopolitical tensions in West Asia. As the assembly elections approach, food vendors are experiencing a stark decline in business, with many forced to scale down operations or close entirely. Shyam, a takeaway owner, has resorted to using an electric stove for limited offerings, while Sheeba, who runs a 'veettile oonu', has been unable to cook due to the lack of gas. The official price of commercial LPG has surged to around ₹2,000 per cylinder, with black-market prices reportedly reaching ₹4,000. This situation is not only affecting vendors but also regular customers, including students and elderly couples who rely on takeout meals. The ongoing crisis raises concerns about potential price increases for other essential commodities, further straining the local economy.