Bengaluru Foodies Brace for 10% Price Hike On Food Items From August 1

In response to the recent surge in vegetable, food grain, milk, and other essential commodity prices, hoteliers in Bengaluru have decided to increase food prices by 10% starting from August 1. This decision comes as many restaurants and eateries have already raised their food item prices by 5-10%.

The Bruhat Bengaluru Hoteliers Association (BBHA) explained that while food prices in hotels and restaurants are typically increased annually in April, they delayed the hike this year due to elections and other ongoing matters. However, with the sharp rise in ingredient costs, they have now formally agreed to implement the 10% price increase.

BBHA President PC Rao stated that hostels that have already raised their prices will not be affected by this second increase, and the 10% hike will only apply to those hotels that hadn't raised prices earlier this year.

The decision to raise food prices comes in the wake of recent price hikes in tomatoes, chillies, and other vegetables, which compelled hotels to take such action. The rise in milk prices was also a factor influencing the decision, particularly after the announcement that Nandini milk could become more expensive by Rs 3 per litre.

Across various cities in the country, vegetable prices have witnessed significant increases in recent times. For instance, vegetable prices in Patna rose sharply from early May, with cauliflower and cabbage prices reaching Rs 60 per kg. Similarly, potato and onion prices surged from Rs 20/kg in early May to Rs 30/kg in July.

Other cities also experienced a surge in vegetable prices, with West Bengal witnessing a 30-35% increase. Tomato prices were around Rs 130-150/kg, and green chillies were selling between Rs 300-350/kg. In Odisha, tomato prices reached Rs 140-160/kg, green chillies were priced at Rs 200/kg, and ginger at Rs 300/kg.

Even in Delhi's Safal store, tomato prices exceeded Rs 129 per kg, and in Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh, they went up to Rs 150/kg. The overall trend of rising vegetable prices has put pressure on the hospitality industry, leading to the decision to increase food prices in Bengaluru.