With increasing demand for firewood from households and the hotel sector, wood suppliers have warned of a possible shortage.
Benny Nanatt, a restaurant owner in Palarivattom, says that due to non-availability of LPG cylinders, several hotels have turned to firewood. “Induction hobs are out of the question because commercial electricity connections have higher tariffs. So firewood is mostly relied upon,” Mr Nanatt said. Uses a firewood rocket stove.
“It’s been two weeks since I reserved my firewood and I still haven’t received it. Moreover, the shortage of firewood has caused a sharp rise in prices,” he added.
A tonne of firewood, which used to cost around ₹ 2,600, has increased to ₹ 3,500 within a few weeks. In the case of tamarind wood, the price has increased by ₹4,000, hoteliers said. Kerala Hotels and Restaurants Association state president G. Jayapal said the crisis was continuing unabated, resulting in the closure of several restaurants.
Anto PD, a firewood supplier from Irinjalakuda in Thrissur, said he used to supply firewood to factories in Chennai. “Currently, we do not have enough wood to meet their demand as local demand remains high. Hotels and households are very dependent on firewood. The general public is afraid that the crisis may persist, which will prompt them to stockpile,” he added.
Firewood is obtained from houses after pruning, he said. “Earlier, around 30 tonnes of firewood was arriving daily. But now it has dropped to around six tonnes,” he added.
Published – 30 Mar 2026 01:10 IST
