Idli, vada rates go up, but life goes on

Idli, vada rates go up, but life goes on
New Indian Express

BANGALORE: Darshinis have increased prices.

Reason: Hike in cooking gas rates. But not many patrons are complaining.

In some restaurants, a plate of idli costs Rs 8, up from Rs 6, and a rava idli Rs 11, up from Rs 8. Darshinis that used to sell idlis at Rs 8 have upped the rate to Rs 10.

While the cost for a 17 kg cooking gas cylinder is Rs 835 in private agencies, it is Rs 920 for a 19 kg cylinder in government agencies.

Muralidhar Bhat, Proprietor of Sanman Hotel on Cunningham Road, says he requires at least four cylinders every day.

“It is not possible to run this business without hiking rates. At the same time, we will lose customers if we increase the rate too much.”

The high price of vegetables, especially onions, has added to the Darshini owners’ woes. “Onion price is Rs 20 per kg and vegetables prices have generally shot up. It is not possible for us to do business at the old rates,” says Ramachandra, owner of another Darshini.

Cereal prices have shot up.

“Earlier, the pulse used in idli was Rs 36 but within two weeks it has shot up to Rs 46. That’s why we had to increase idli rates,” says Ramachandra.

Hoteliers admit that price hike has affected business to a minor extent.

“Luckily, we haven’t lost our regular customers,” says Muralidhar.

“Earlier the idli price was Rs 5 but now it is Rs 6. This will not make much of a difference to our customers,” another hotelier says.