LPG Crisis In Kerala: Firewood Becomes New 'Black Gold' As Prices Rocket

A severe shortage of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), triggered by ongoing conflict in West Asia, has pushed Kerala into a burgeoning energy crisis. The scarcity has not only threatened the closure of nearly half the state's restaurants but has also sent the price of firewood, the traditional fallback fuel, skyrocketing to record levels.

Restaurants on the Brink

The Kerala Hotel and Restaurant Association (KHRA) warned on Friday that approximately 40% of restaurants across the state are expected to shut down as fuel stocks deplete. While some rural establishments have attempted to pivot to traditional wood-fired stoves, urban businesses find themselves trapped by modern infrastructure, PTI reported.

"Most urban restaurants have adopted modern kitchen systems as per food safety standards," said G. Jayapal, President of the KHRA. "They lack the space or ventilation for firewood. The crisis hit suddenly, leaving no time for alternative arrangements."

The shortage is further exacerbated by alleged price gouging. Private suppliers are reportedly charging up to ₹3,000 for a 17 kg cylinder, nearly double the standard rate for a 19 kg commercial unit.

Firewood Prices Surge

As demand spills over into the timber market, firewood has become a luxury commodity. In other words it has become new 'Black Gold'.

In the last week alone, prices jumped by ₹200 to ₹500 per tonne. In regions like Muvattupuzha, hand-cut firewood is fetching over ₹2,500 per tonne, while rubberwood has crossed the ₹3,000 mark, according to a report in Manorama News.

Even industrial byproducts are not immune; the price of sawdust bags has tripled in some areas. Wood mill owners in Tammanam report that despite the high prices, supply cannot keep pace with the influx of orders from bakeries and hostels.

Impact on Social Infrastructure

The timing is particularly precarious for the state's catering industry, as the wedding season commences on March 15. Representatives from the All Kerala Caterers Association noted that while some items like biryani can be prepared over wood fires, the majority of modern catering menus rely exclusively on LPG.

The crisis has also extended to:

Hostels and Canteens: Many are stockpiling week-long supplies of wood, fearing a total mess shutdown.

Public Services: Crematoriums and community kitchens are facing operational hurdles.

Government Intervention

In response, the LDF-led state government has urged the Centre to increase the state's non-domestic LPG quota, which is currently capped at 20%. Following a high-level meeting chaired by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, the state has established a priority distribution list. Hospitals, orphanages, and schools will receive preference, while enforcement teams have been deployed to curb black marketing and hoarding.