Empty cylinders, empty plates

Hotels across Kerala continue to close as the cooking gas crisis deepens, with more than 50% of establishments in cities and towns already shut down. Even small and medium-sized roadside shops have been forced to reduce their operating hours, and the majority of tea shops run by Tamil Nadu natives have ceased functioning entirely. Hoteliers report that while some have switched to firewood, they cannot sustain operations this way for many days. Domestic customers are facing a similar struggle, with many unable to book cylinders. Previously, a booking would trigger a confirmation message, but now even that notification is absent. While officials attribute this to a surge in simultaneous bookings, the central government maintains that there is no shortage of domestic cylinders.

If the crisis persists at this rate, even traditional wedding Sadyas will be disrupted. At present, the situation seems to be unfolding according to the whims of the gas companies. There is widespread criticism that both the central and state governments are failing to intervene effectively. Taking advantage of the scarcity, the prices of essential goods have been increased in many areas. Even in hotels that remain operational, there is a severe shortage of resources. Instead of traditional staples like dosa, idli, vada, and pazhampori, oven-baked sandwiches and other alternative delicacies are taking over menus. Establishments that once used more than ten cylinders daily are now struggling to secure even one per day. With the decrease in hotel activity, many workers from other states have begun returning to their homelands. Once they leave, hotels will be unable to reopen for some time, even if gas supplies are restored.

Students who have moved to the city for coaching are among the most affected groups. They have been forced to change their breakfast and dinner routines to simple items like bread, eggs, and fruits. Due to this high demand, fruit prices are also rising. Since many workers from other states are unfamiliar with firewood, they are reluctant to cook with it, posing a significant challenge for hotel owners. Furthermore, as Sadya is now being prepared using firewood, a shortage of wood itself has emerged. If firewood becomes unavailable, the crisis will reach an extreme level. Catering establishments are already refusing new orders, and hotels have reduced the number of side dishes served with lunch. Consequently, many people now attend weddings with their entire families, viewing the event as a way to cancel their own large lunchtime cooking for at least a day.

The Hotel and Restaurant Association has decided to move toward direct protest methods if the crisis continues without a solution. They have submitted a memorandum to the Union Minister and the state government requesting urgent intervention. The only reason households have not yet joined these protests is a lack of organisation; however, if the situation worsens, they too may take to the roads. The Union Ministry of Natural Gas has explained that refineries have increased LPG production by 38% as directed by the government. The Indian ship Shivalik, which left Qatar with LPG, has arrived at the Mundra port in Gujarat, and another ship, Nanda Devi, is expected soon. Nevertheless, these shipments alone cannot solve the current serious crisis. Since no one can predict when the conflict causing these disruptions will end, it is advisable for people to consider alternatives such as electricity, solar energy, and wood-burning stoves.