Chakan, 19th March 2026: A worsening shortage of cooking gas has triggered a ripple effect across the industrial hub of Chakan Industrial Estate, pushing up food prices and disrupting daily life for thousands of workers dependent on low-cost meals.
The impact is being felt most acutely by the region’s large migrant workforce, which depends heavily on affordable roadside food and factory canteens. With commercial LPG supplies running short, many eateries are struggling to operate, forcing vendors to either hike prices or reduce portion sizes.
As a result, basic food items have become significantly more expensive. A vada pav that was once a low-cost staple now sells for Rs 30 to Rs 40, while tea prices have increased to Rs 20 to Rs 30. Common meals such as dal, rice, and vegetables, earlier priced around Rs 65 to Rs 70, are now costing ₹90–₹100, often with smaller servings. Items like omelettes, egg bhurji, and vegetable dishes have also seen steady price hikes.
Small food businesses across the industrial zone are under severe strain. Several roadside vendors have cut down their menus or temporarily shut operations due to the shortage of gas cylinders, impacting both livelihoods and food accessibility in the area.
The ripple effects are extending beyond eateries. Transport workers and truck drivers are finding it difficult to access affordable meals, while gig economy workers, including food delivery partners, are facing a sharp drop in income as fewer kitchens remain operational. Many report a decline in daily earnings by 50 to 70 percent.
The situation is also raising concerns about workforce stability. With rising living costs and limited access to food, some workers have begun returning to their hometowns, potentially affecting industrial productivity in the region.
Officials and industry observers warn that if the LPG shortage continues, it could lead to wider disruptions in supply chains, labour availability, and overall industrial output, posing a serious challenge to one of Pune’s key economic hubs.
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