Mangaluru: Hotels across Dakshina Kannada, from small eateries to premium establishments, are continuing to depend on wood for cooking as an LPG shortage is still disrupting commercial kitchens.The crisis emerged in the wake of the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which has affected fuel supplies. Though commercial LPG distribution has resumed, hotel and restaurant operators say supplies remain far below normal levels. At the same time, commercial LPG prices have risen sharply, and industry stakeholders fear further increases in the coming days. The twin burden of shortage and higher costs has forced many businesses to either shut temporarily or reopen with restricted menus with fast-moving dishes that consume less fuel.A premium hotel on MG Road said it has been using firewood to prepare three meals a day for more than 55 staff members, helping save nearly one commercial LPG cylinder daily. “Though we use LPG to cook our patrons’ orders, we are continuing to use firewood to cook food for our staff three times a day. We save one commercial cylinder, which helps to tackle the shortage,” the restaurant manager said. He added that there is still no clarity on how long the situation will continue.The shift is not limited to one establishment. Many hotels that have the space and infrastructure for firewood cooking are continuing to use it alongside LPG. In Kankanady, a hotel owner said they have been travelling as far as Surathkal to procure gas cylinders. He said LPG is available in the black market at nearly double the regular price, adding that it will not be economically viable for most operators. The owner, who recently reopened after two months, said businesses have little choice but to adapt their menus to the fuel situation. “We could not have opted for firewood cooking as we don’t have space here,” he said.Iqbal Asaigoli, who runs a restaurant near Falnir, said his establishment continues to rely on both firewood and LPG while serving a limited menu. “Currently we receive 50% of our total LPG requirement, and the rest is managed by firewood. Now, customers have to take what we offer rather than what they want since there is a limited menu,” he said.The Ocean Pearl Hotel, which operates two facilities in Mangaluru, has also adopted a similar 50:50 arrangement. Vice-president BN Girish said elaborate arrangements have been made to use firewood at both properties.Even firewood costs have surged. Ashwatham Hegde, proprietor of Tulunadu Food Catering Services, said firewood prices have risen from Rs 4,500-Rs 5,500 per tonne before the LPG crisis to around Rs 8,000 now.
