Pune: Gas Price Spike Hits Pune Students: Mess Charges Rise Amid Supply Disruptions
Pune, 12th March 2026: A rise in commercial LPG prices and irregular supply of gas cylinders is beginning to impact the daily lives of thousands of students in Pune, particularly those preparing for competitive examinations. Mess services and low-cost eateries across the city have started increasing meal prices, placing additional financial strain on students who depend on affordable food facilities.
The supply disruptions are being linked to global energy uncertainties amid tensions involving Iran and Israel, which have affected the availability and pricing of LPG in several regions.
Pune, widely known as an education hub, attracts thousands of aspirants preparing for exams conducted by institutions such as the Union Public Service Commission and the Maharashtra Public Service Commission, along with candidates preparing for banking and railway recruitment tests. Many of them rely on budget mess services for daily meals.
Mess operators say the price of commercial LPG cylinders has increased by about ₹115 to ₹150 in recent weeks, while supply has also become irregular. As a result, several mess services and tiffin providers have raised meal prices by ₹20 to ₹30 per plate.
Apart from gas costs, rising prices of edible oil, pulses and other essential ingredients have also increased operating expenses for food service providers.
A mess operator said the hike was unavoidable. “Commercial cylinder prices are rising constantly and sometimes we do not receive gas on time. At times we have to purchase cylinders at higher rates from the open market. With cooking costs increasing, we had no option but to raise food prices,” the operator said.
Students Struggle With Higher Living Costs:
For students living away from home, mess services remain the most practical and affordable option for regular meals. However, the recent increase in charges is disrupting their monthly budgets.
A competitive examination aspirant said many students from rural areas come to Pune with limited financial resources.
“We already spend a lot on rent, coaching classes and books. With mess charges rising, managing expenses has become difficult. Sometimes we even have to skip a meal,” the student said.
Another aspirant warned that the situation could worsen if prices continue to rise.
“Pune is a major centre for exam preparation. If messes shut down due to gas shortages or keep increasing prices, students from ordinary families may find it difficult to continue their studies,” the student said.
A third student added that the growing cost of meals has already forced many aspirants to rethink their budgets and daily spending.
With thousands of students dependent on low-cost food services in Pune, continued disruptions in LPG supply could have a wider impact on the student community. Students and mess operators fear that if the situation persists, the overall cost of living in the city may become unaffordable for many competitive exam aspirants
