Households in Faridabad, India, are increasingly reverting to traditional cooking methods such as wood-fired stoves and ‘chulhas’.

Article by Viory

Households in Faridabad are increasingly reverting to traditional cooking methods such as wood-fired stoves and cow dung cakes, as disruptions in liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) supplies ripple across India.

The shortages come as global energy flows face strain due to escalating tensions in West Asia, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for oil and gas shipments. India, the world’s second-largest LPG importer, relies heavily on supplies from the region, leaving homes and businesses vulnerable to supply shocks.

Footage shows families using ‘chulhas’ — traditional earthen stoves — fueled by cow dung cakes, as demand for these alternatives surges. Residents are seen cooking using biomass fuels as the shortage in LPG cylinders hits villages.

Timber yard operators report daily firewood sales jumping from around 3,000 kilograms to nearly 35,000 kilograms, reflecting the scale of the shift.

“Neither are we getting gas or cylinders, but we need to make tasty food. In gas, food preparation is faster, but in wood and cow dung cakes, it takes a lot of time. But we are not getting gas, so there is no option,” said one resident.

“It has become difficult. Because of the war, we are not getting cylinders. This is becoming difficult. Even many here are making some alternative options,” added another resident.

Compounding the issue, authorities have introduced a directive requiring consumers in areas with access to piped natural gas (PNG) to transition away from LPG, part of a broader effort to reduce reliance on imported fuel and strengthen domestic energy infrastructure.

The conflict, which was triggered by US and Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28, has disrupted shipping routes, including the Strait of Hormuz, and pushed oil prices above $100 per barrel, increasing pressure on global markets.

After the Strait of Hormuz was effectively closed, the Indian Navy deployed more than half a dozen warships under Operation Sankalp to ensure the safe passage of Indian-flagged tankers, successfully escorting vessels, including Pine Gas and Jag Vasant, on Monday, despite widespread disruption to global shipping.

To keep refineries operational amid restricted Middle Eastern supplies, the government also secured a temporary 30-day sanctions waiver from the US Treasury on March 6, allowing it to purchase and offload millions of barrels of Russian crude already at sea, providing a crucial stopgap while traditional routes remained unstable.

Article by Viory

More from Wake Up Singapore:

Man Narrowly Escapes Death as Elevator Malfunctions Suddenly in India

Fans elated as India lifts T20 World Cup trophy for third time

Malaysian Indian Young Athlete Overcomes the Barrier and wins the gold at the international wushu competition.

If you have a story or a tip-off, email admin@wakeup.sg or get in touch via Whatsapp at 8882 5913.