Hyderabad Fast Food Owner Builds Wood Stove Amid LPG Shortage

• Chandu, a fast food owner in Hyderabad, created a unique wooden log stove due to a severe shortage and high price of commercial LPG gas cylinders.
• He uses the wooden stove for 50% of his cooking, finding it cheaper and more comfortable despite some smoke, costing 6-10 rupees per kilo of wood.
• Chandu expects the commercial gas shortage, which makes cylinders unavailable even at 5,000-6,000 rupees, to last another 15-20 days.
• The shortage stems from the West Asia conflict, prompting the Centre to invoke the Essential Commodities Act, prioritizing domestic LPG consumption.
• The Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas reports a 25% increase in domestic LPG production, directed towards households, with the Home Affairs Ministry strengthening a 24/7 control room.