LPG crisis fuels fear of loss of livelihood, food scarcity in Kerala

On the Press Club Road in Ernakulam, Mini Santhosh is a familiar presence, serving steaming cups of tea to journalists and passers-by. She brews about 40 cups of tea daily, which requires her to change the cooking gas cylinder every two months.  

But with uncertainty looming over the LPG supply – her current cylinder is almost exhausted — she has now dusted off her old induction cooktop as an emergency backup, although it would mean a surge in her power bills.  

Roy, who operates a roadside eatery (thattukada) in Polayathodu in Kollam, expressed deep concern over the prospect of business closure. “We were instructed to wait at least 20 days before even contacting the LPG distributor to resume operations,” he said. If the eatery should remain shut for at least three weeks, the family would be without its primary source of sustenance.  

The slackening availability of commercial LPG cylinders has pushed small-scale entrepreneurs to the brink, with many facing indefinite closure. Mujeeb Rahman, who operates a modest tea stall in Bharanikkavu area, expressed his growing desperation as his current cylinder reaches its final hours. “My cylinder will last only for a few hours. From tomorrow onwards, I will have to keep my shop closed,” he said. Despite his attempts to secure a refill, distribution agents have cited a severe supply crunch, noting that residential connections are being prioritised over commercial ones. Operating out of a small, rented area, Mr. Rahman is prohibited by his landlord from using traditional wooden stoves.  

Also affected are bakery and food production units across Kerala, prompting the Bakers Association Kerala to urge the government and oil companies to intervene urgently to ensure uninterrupted supply. 

“The bakery industry is a crucial part of the State’s food supply chain, serving lakhs of people every day,” said Kiran S. Palakkal, State president of Bakers Association Kerala. “Small bakeries, production units and packaged food manufacturers depend heavily on LPG as their primary fuel. If the shortage continues, it will severely affect production and disrupt the availability of essential food items,” he said.  

According to the association, the shortage has already forced several bakeries to scale down production, while some units are on the verge of temporary closure. 

“Thousands of commuters, migrant workers and students rely on small bakery outlets for affordable and readily available food. The present crisis is pushing many of these establishments into a difficult situation,” said Biju Premshankar, general secretary of the association. 

Radhika, who runs a tea stall near the Muthalakkulam ground in Kozhikode along with her husband Santhosh Kumar, said she had not received the LPG refill booked some five days ago. “The supplier said consignment is not coming to the godown,” she said.  

However, LPG distributors in Kozhikode claim that the situation is not dire in the district. 

P.K. Haneefa, a Gulf returnee who runs a thattukada in Malappuram, said the shortage of LPG is disrupting his livelihood.  Mohammed Ilyas, who runs a stationery-cum-tea shop on Robinson Road, Palakkad, said gas agencies had stopped responding to calls for cylinder refills. “We have enough gas to manage for a few more days, but the situation is really worrying,” he said. 

Food vendors in Kottayam have already trimmed their menu and reduced cooking hours, but might now have to fall back on firewood use, which would slow down service.  

Muhammad Haneefa, 60, a small eatery owner in Kottayam, said: “Our business depends on fast service. With LPG unavailable, switching to firewood is the only option.” The shortage also threatens the livelihoods of dozens of daily wage helpers who assist at these food stalls. 

Aby Ipe, a member of the food advisory vigilance committee in Kottayam, noted that the price of snack items at roadside shops, previously sold at ₹10, has now risen to ₹12. 

Tourism might also be a casualty of the prevailing LPG crisis. “The only option for tourists in Munnar is to eat at restaurants or hotels attached to their lodging. Since most use LPG, a shortage means no food for guests. Stakeholders are deeply concerned,” said G. Sojan, coordinator of the ‘My Munnar Movement.’