Ripples from Iran war hit restaurant business in Kathmandu
Summary
The war in West Asia has increased operating costs for Kathmandu restaurants, prompting some to consider menu price hikes amid rising fuel and food prices.
Key Points
- The war in West Asia has caused a 25 percent increase in operating costs for Kathmandu's restaurants due to higher prices of imported food and transport.
- Smaller eateries in Kathmandu have started raising menu prices by up to 5-10 percent to cope with rising costs.
- Uninterrupted liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) supply has helped kitchens operate, but electricity is not a viable cooking alternative due to efficiency issues.
- Restaurant owners are cautious about price hikes due to potential drops in customer turnout and uncertainty in fuel supply routes such as the Strait of Hormuz.
