KILIMANOOR: With the rising prices of fruits, vegetables, groceries, coconut, and cooking oil already burdening consumers, the latest hike in cooking gas prices has further strained household budgets.

Just recently, the price of an LPG cylinder was increased by Rs 50. The current price of a 14.2 kg cylinder now stands at Rs 900. In addition to this, service charges for home delivery are being collected separately, ranging from Rs 50 to Rs 150 in some areas.

Return to firewood stoves

As LPG prices cross Rs 1,000 in several locations when including delivery charges, many homemakers are reverting to traditional firewood stoves. A 100-kg bundle of firewood now costs around Rs 900. Several women say they are left with no option but to rely on firewood. However, the limited availability of firewood has also become a concern. Stove dealers report a surge in demand for smokeless stoves, clay stoves, and related items like firewood and husk powder ever since the previous LPG price hike.

Frequent price hikes challenge daily life

The frequent increases in cooking gas prices are becoming a major challenge for ordinary people’s daily lives. “Public representatives appear to have lost the will to respond to these rising costs. As prices soar, the hike in LPG is derailing household budgets,” said Adayamon Murali, State Vice President of the Karshaka Congress.