LUCKNOW, May 7 -- The steep rise in commercial LPG prices has forced street vendors across the city to revise rates, and hit hard are their patrons who stop for a quick bite and a cup of tea. The price increase, which came into effect on May 1, has pushed up the cost of a 19-kg commercial LPG cylinder by Rs.993, from Rs.2,201 to Rs.3,194. For small food businesses dependent on daily sales and narrow margins, the hike has quickly translated into costlier menus. Tea stalls were among the first to respond. A regular kulhad chai that earlier sold for Rs.12 now costs Rs.15 at several stalls, while some vendors have increased prices to Rs.20. Cutting chai, a popular budget pick, has also become dearer, moving from Rs.6 to Rs.8, while a full cup has risen from Rs.10 to Rs.12. Ashish Kumar, who runs a tea stall near Vibhuti Khand police station, said the revision became necessary after supply issues began last month. "When the cylinder shortage started, I had to increase prices. My costs have gone up, and supply is still irregular," he said. Not every snack has been affected yet. During a spot check by the HT, samosa prices at multiple stalls remained unchanged. In Chinhat, vendor Jagjeevan Ram said he does not rely on commercial LPG cylinders and continues to sell samosas at Rs.10 apiece. Meanwhile, at a noodle stall in Narahi, the owner said a full plate currently priced at Rs.80 is likely to touch Rs.100. "I have a commercial cylinder connection. Once my current stock is over, I will have to refill at the new rate," he said. Biryani shops have also revised prices. In Vibhuti Khand, shop owner Javed has increased the cost of a half plate from Rs.140 to Rs.160. "Our input costs have increased sharply. Profit margins are shrinking," he said. Sweet shops are facing similar pressure. A rasgulla that earlier cost Rs.15 is now priced at Rs.20 in several outlets, with some charging up to Rs.25. Milk barfi prices have risen from Rs.440 per kg to Rs.520 per kg, with shopkeepers attributing the increase to higher production expenses. Adding to the strain is the shortage of commercial cylinders in the market. Vendors said many are being forced to source cylinders from unofficial channels at higher rates. The price of a 5-kg commercial cylinder has also increased by Rs.300 to Rs.350. Many vendors were also found using domestic LPG cylinders instead of commercial ones, citing supply shortages. "Most tea sellers are using furnaces and coal as substitutes while keeping cylinders as backup," said Satyendra, who runs a Maggi and tea stall in Indira Nagar....