Bhubaneswar, Mar 12: Residents of Bhubaneswar are facing severe difficulties amid a shortage of LPG cylinders, forcing many to return to traditional firewood for cooking. The crisis has triggered long queues at firewood depots across the city, with people struggling to secure an alternative fuel source.

According to locals, the shortage of commercial LPG cylinders, exacerbated by ongoing global tensions, has led households, hotels, restaurants, wedding venues, and catering services to rely on wood for daily cooking. The price of firewood has skyrocketed due to increased demand, with a quintal of processed firewood now selling for around Rs 1,700.

In old Bhubaneswar, long queues can be seen outside wood storage depots, with citizens stockpiling firewood for household use. Chopped firewood, previously a minor alternative, is now in high demand, and residents are facing significant financial strain.

“The situation is particularly difficult for urban households,” said a resident. “With no LPG available, everyone has had to revert to using wood, whether for cooking at home or for wedding preparations, hotel kitchens, and religious offerings.”

Authorities have assured that domestic LPG supplies remain prioritized for household consumption, but the demand for alternative fuels such as firewood continues to rise sharply amid the ongoing shortage.