The increase in the price of gas cylinders is beginning to be felt among small merchants who depend on this input to prepare food. In markets and food stalls in Lima, vendors recognize that the cost of LPG has risen in recent days, which increases its daily operating expenses.
In some cases, merchants who recently purchased a gas cylinder report that the price is no longer the same as what they paid weeks ago. The ball that previously could be purchased for around 50 soles has registered increases of several soles in recent purchases. This variation occurs in the midst of the energy crisis that affects fuel supply and generates uncertainty in the market.
Gas is an essential resource for the preparation of breakfasts, lunches and other foods sold in popular markets. Therefore, any increase in its price has an immediate impact on the costs of those who work in small food stalls or juice shops.
Despite the increase in gas prices, many merchants have chosen to maintain the prices of the food they offer. The main reason is to prevent regular customers from stopping consumption if costs rise suddenly.
In the Campo Ferial Huáscar market, in the Surquillo district, several food stalls continue to offer breakfasts at the same price they had before the fuel increase was recorded. The sellers explain that their priority is to retain the clientele that comes to these spaces daily.
The stalls operate from the early hours of the morning and prepare food on the spot using kitchens connected to gas cylinders. Among the most requested products are pork rind, sausage or loin sandwiches, as well as natural juices.
Some traders say they will continue to maintain prices as long as possible, although they acknowledge that the situation could change if the cost of gas continues to rise in the coming weeks.
The situation is different in the Magdalena market, where an increase in the cost of the menu was recorded. The reason is simple: given the shortage of CNG and LPG, the price of fuel increases.
The increase in gas is not the only factor that worries merchants and consumers. Rising fuel prices are also having an effect on the food supply chain.
Producers and transporters warn that the higher cost of fuel increases the costs of transporting products to wholesale and district markets. This increase in logistics costs could end up being reflected in the final price of different foods.
Among the products that could be affected are chicken, meat, fruits and vegetables, which depend on transportation from different regions of the country to the sales centers in Lima.
If transportation costs continue to rise, retailers could be forced to adjust food prices to compensate for the increased spending, directly impacting consumers’ wallets.
