Lucknow: Coal and firewood markets in the city are witnessing a sudden rise in demand as small eateries and street food vendors search for alternatives amid the ongoing shortage of commercial LPG cylinders. With regular gas supply disrupted, many vendors say they are left with little choice but to fall back on traditional fuels to keep their businesses running.Traders dealing in coal and firewood said enquiries have increased significantly over the past few days.A coal trader in the Aishbagh area, Sanjay Jaiswal said, “Earlier, most of our buyers were sweet shops or traditional kitchens, but now many fastfood vendors and tea stall operators are approaching us because they are not getting LPG cylinders.”Food vendors say the switch is not easy but necessary. A chaat vendor in Chowk said, “Coal cooking takes more time and managing the heat is difficult, but we cannot afford to keep our shop closed. Some business is better than no business.”Firewood sellers also reported rising prices due to higher demand.Rehan Raini, a firewood trader, said, “Demand has gone up suddenly and supply is limited, so prices have increased slightly.”Customers are also beginning to feel the impact. An office-goer who regularly eats at roadside stalls said, “Some vendors have increased prices, saying coal is more expensive than LPG. Even a small increase matters for people who depend on these stalls daily.”
