Outside New Delhi's main bus terminus, food stalls have operated for decades under makeshift canopies, serving travelers pan-fried flatbreads, stews, and tea. These small businesses now face mounting pressure as India's energy crisis deepens. Rising fuel costs and unreliable electricity supply are squeezing profit margins for vendors who depend on consistent power for cooking and refrigeration.

Energy shortages across India have forced businesses to adapt, often at significant cost. For street vendors, higher diesel prices mean increased transportation expenses for ingredients and supplies. Power outages require backup generators, adding equipment costs and fuel consumption to already thin margins. The situation reflects broader economic strains affecting millions of small-scale entrepreneurs nationwide.

Government efforts to stabilize energy supplies have yet to fully address the needs of informal sector workers. While large industries receive priority access to power, street vendors operate in a gray area without formal protections or subsidies. This disparity highlights how energy policy impacts different segments of the economy unequally, with the smallest businesses bearing disproportionate burdens during supply crunches.