Bhubaneswar: Hotels and small eateries in several Indian cities have begun switching to traditional firewood chulhas after supplies of commercial LPG cylinders dwindled amid global energy disruptions linked to the ongoing conflict in West Asia.
In cities such as Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar and Madurai, restaurant owners say they have been forced to rely on firewood for cooking as LPG deliveries have become scarce and irregular.
Industry sources attribute the supply pressure to the conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran, which has disrupted shipping routes through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. Nearly 90% of India’s LPG imports pass through this corridor, making it a critical energy chokepoint.
Some hotel owners say the cost dynamics have also shifted. A restaurateur identified as Kumar from Shivganesh Hotel said bundles of firewood are currently cheaper and easier to procure than commercial LPG cylinders, which have become difficult to obtain.
However, the switch to wood-fired cooking has brought operational challenges. Workers face intense heat in kitchens, menus are being trimmed to reduce cooking time, and many establishments are closing earlier than usual. Restaurant associations warn that if supplies do not stabilise soon, eateries in major cities such as Bengaluru and Mumbai could face partial shutdowns.
Meanwhile, the Government of India has said that household LPG supply remains the top priority, assuring that domestic consumers are not facing shortages. Authorities are also working to increase domestic production, explore additional imports from countries such as the United States, and assess commercial sector requirements through a dedicated review panel.
Officials say the measures aim to stabilise supply chains while global energy markets remain volatile due to the continuing tensions in West Asia.
-OdishaAge
