Nainital: The lake city of Nainital, famous for its scenic beauty and tourism, is now facing the impact of inflation.
Ahead of the tourist season, hotel and restaurant owners have increased food and beverage prices by 15–20 percent due to a shortage of commercial gas cylinders and rising costs of essential items.
Gas crisis hits businesses
Restaurant owners say that the supply of commercial gas cylinders has become irregular. Earlier, restaurants consumed one cylinder daily, but now they are receiving only one or two cylinders a month. This shortage has forced them to use alternative fuels, which are more expensive and have increased operational costs.
Mahendra Bisht, a restaurant owner, explained that along with gas prices, packaging materials and other essentials have also become costlier. As a result, he had no choice but to raise menu prices. Prakash Joshi, another owner, said the irregular supply of cylinders is directly affecting daily operations.
Tourists feel the pinch
Visitors to Nainital are finding their budgets stretched. Mohini, a tourist from Delhi, said that food and drink prices are much higher than before. With travel and accommodation already expensive, the increased food costs are making trips less affordable. She noted that the rising prices are ruining the holiday budget for many families.
Local customers upset
Residents of Nainital are also unhappy with the price hike. They say that daily expenses are already rising, and eating out has become difficult. Many locals feel that if the gas crisis continues, prices may rise further, putting additional pressure on households.
Impact on tourism
Experts warn that if the gas supply problem is not resolved soon, it could directly affect Nainital’s tourism industry. Higher food prices during peak tourist season may discourage visitors, impacting the local economy that depends heavily on tourism.
Administration’s assurance
Officials have acknowledged the problem and assured restaurant owners that efforts are being made to streamline the gas supply. Vivek Rai, Additional District Magistrate of Nainital, said that the situation is expected to return to normal soon.
The gas crisis in Nainital has created a chain reaction, leading to higher food and beverage prices. Tourists and locals alike are feeling the burden, and businesses are struggling to manage costs. Unless the supply of commercial gas cylinders improves quickly, the city’s tourism industry could face serious challenges.