Bengaluru Hotels Hike Food Prices by 10-15% as Rising Costs Hit Restaurant Business

Rising prices of essential commodities, including milk, rice and pulses, have started affecting the hotel and restaurant industry in Bengaluru. Several hotels across the city have increased their menu prices by 10-15% due to rising operational and food preparation costs.

Popular food items such as tea, coffee, idli and dosa have become more expensive, adding to the financial burden on customers.

According to hotel owners, the continuous rise in the prices of raw materials has made it difficult to manage operating expenses without increasing menu rates. Bengaluru Hotel Association (BHA) President PC Rao said rice prices have increased significantly over the past month.

He stated that the price of rice, which was around Rs 65 per kg, has surged to nearly Rs 95 per kg in some places. The prices of pulses have also increased, while rising milk and curd prices have further added to the pressure on hotel businesses.

Rising Costs Put Pressure on Hotels

According to a report by Deccan Herald, several hotels in Bengaluru have already increased their menu prices by 10-15%.

Mahesh KK, a hotelier from North Bengaluru, said that restaurant owners are often forced to increase food prices whenever the cost of raw materials rises. He also pointed out that prices of various essential commodities have been increasing continuously since tensions began in the Middle East.

Tea and Coffee Become Costlier

Several hotels across Bengaluru have increased the prices of tea and coffee by Rs 3 to Rs 5 per cup on average.

The price hike in other food items varies from one hotel to another. For instance, dosa, which was earlier available for around Rs 100, is now being sold for Rs 110 to Rs 115 at some hotels.

Customers Express Displeasure

However, the price hike has not gone down well with customers. Many consumers have questioned the justification behind increasing tea and coffee prices by Rs 5 when the price of one litre of milk has reportedly increased by only Rs 8.

Customers have urged hotel owners not to use rising milk prices as a reason to increase the prices of all food items. They have also appealed to restaurant operators to avoid putting additional financial pressure on consumers.

With essential commodity prices continuing to rise, the hospitality industry is facing growing cost pressures, while customers are struggling with increasingly expensive meals and beverages.