Firewood is making a comeback in school kitchens in Kottayam as LPG availability continues

Firewood stoves are making an unwelcome return to some school kitchens in Kottayam district as concerns persist over the availability of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders.

According to the School Pachaka Thozhilali Union, a mid-day meal cooks’ union affiliated to the All India Trade Union Congress, a handful of schools in the district have asked workers to rely on firewood to prepare meals even though schools have priority in LPG allocation.

“Several school principals have directed cooks not to use gas for now and instead prepare meals on firewood fires,” said P. Pradeep, state vice-president of the union.

Fresh circular

In early March, the state government issued a circular ordering schools to switch to firewood fires amid concerns over the availability of cooking gas. “At the time, the impact was limited as it was exam season and participation was low. However, despite the fresh circular issued on April 30, 2026, which ordered schools not to force workers to use firewood, the practice continues in some institutions. With classes now running in full swing, it has become a big challenge for chefs,” he said.

Until a few years ago, the meals included in the lunch menu were normally prepared on a firewood stove. However, safety and health concerns prompted a gradual transition to LPG-based cooking, with most schools subsequently modernizing their kitchens and phasing out traditional fireplaces.

Challenges

The renewed dependence on fuelwood is now creating new challenges. Many schools, especially those with limited space, no longer have the infrastructure needed to accommodate wood burning fireplaces. While temporary cooking can be done outdoors, the monsoon complicates such efforts. School authorities are therefore exploring makeshift alternatives to ensure that food preparation remains uninterrupted.

The shift also raised concerns about additional expenses. School principals fear they will have to find additional funding to procure firewood at a time when food costs are already rising. Storing firewood emerged as another problem, especially during the rainy season, when piles of wood can become shelters for snakes and other reptiles.

Meanwhile, District Supply Authority officials claimed that LPG rations for schools in Kottayam till June have already been approved. “There are some issues in several schools where principals have been transferred and the OTPs required for allotment of pressure cylinders have not been properly handed over. Such procedural issues may have contributed to the delays in some cases,” the official said.

Published – 08 Jun 2026 19:37 IST