Restaurants Plan 5-10% Menu Hikes from July as Fuel, LPG Costs Squeeze Margins

NRAI flags Rs 79,000 cr monthly sector losses as petrol hits Rs 97.77/litre and LPG costs jump 60%. Cafe Delhi Heights, Wow! Momo, Kylin among brands signaling price action; Zomato, Swiggy commissions add pressure as 10% of restaurants have already shut.

— Source publishedSat, 16 May, 2026, 11:01 IST·First seen Sat, 16 May, 2026, 11:10 IST·Source Times of India · Business

What happened

Indian restaurants and delivery platforms plan 5-10% menu price hikes from July following fuel price increases, compounding LPG shortages. NRAI estimates Rs

Key facts

  • 5-10% price hike
  • Petrol Rs 97.77/litre
  • Diesel Rs 90.67/litre
  • 60% higher LPG costs
  • 10% restaurants shut
  • 60-70% shifted fuels
  • Rs 2,650 cr/day losses
  • Rs 79,000 cr/month losses
  • Milk +Rs 2/litre
  • 500,000 NRAI members

Why this matters

Distressed independents and sub-scale chains become acquisition targets at depressed multiples this quarter—prioritize tuck-ins with strong unit economics in metros where the surviving 90% will consolidate share.