Hotels, households turn to firewood amid LPG supply delays in Hyderabad

LPG shortages in Hyderabad have led households, eateries, and hostels to temporarily switch to firewood stoves, while electric alternatives like induction stoves see cautious demand. Firewood supply remains stable, with prices ranging from Rs 4–Rs 12 per kg.

Hyderabad: The sudden shortage of LPG has pushed several hotels, hostels and households to explore alternative cooking methods, with many temporarily turning to traditional firewood.

Over the past few days, concerns over the availability of LPG cylinders have led to anxious customers approaching fuel agencies and exploring other options to continue daily cooking activities.

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In several places like IT corridor, Kukatpally, Ameerpet, small eateries, hostels and even some households have begun using firewood stoves as a precautionary measure until regular LPG supply resumes.

Despite this, firewood traders say the demand and supply for firewood have largely remained stable, and prices have not seen any major increase except in a few outlets.

“The demand and supply for firewood is still the same as before LPG crisis. There is no surge in demand and transportation is also not affected,” said Gopi Krishna of Balakrishna Timber Depot in Secunderabad.

Traders said lower-quality firewood is available at around Rs 4 per kg, while ordinary quality wood is sold at approximately Rs 8 per kg. Higher grade firewood, especially well-dried varieties preferred for cooking at marriage functions and community halls, can cost up to Rs 12 per kg.

Meanwhile, home appliance retailers had anticipated a possible rise in demand for electric cooking alternatives such as induction stoves and electric rice cookers.

“We stocked up induction stoves, electric cookers and other appliances, but customers are mostly coming in a panic mode to check the cost and features. Very few are actually buying,” said Rajesh of Jhawar Home Appliance Store in Secunderabad.

With the LPG supply situation yet to fully stabilise, it is observed that consumers are still assessing their options while waiting for the normal cylinder distribution to resume.