Consumers in Tiruchi feel the heat of rising firewood costs

Prices of firewood in Tiruchi have seen a steep rise over the past few days amid reports of shortage and delays in gas cylinder supplies caused by the ongoing conflict in West Asia.

According to reports, a 25-kg bundle of wood that cost ₹150 to ₹200 in late February, now costs upwards of ₹300.

“We are going to sell our existing stock for ₹300 from today; when we get a new load in the coming days, the cost may increase depending on the demand,” a firewood trader in Viragupettai Street, Crawford, told The Hindu on Thursday (March 12, 2026).

As many low-income households use firewood stoves, dealers in some parts of Tiruchi have preferred to avoid over-inflation.

“I have tried to keep the same price because most of our customers cannot afford anything too costly. However, it looks like there will be a shortage of the tamarind tree lumber, which is normally sold as firewood, in the coming days. We may eventually have to increase the cost if the usual variety and stock of firewood is not available,” said a trader on East Boulevard Road.

Firewood is supplied from villages near Tiruchi, and is categorised according to its density and burn time.

“Some varieties such as pungai (Pongamia pinnata), puli (tamarind), and vembu (neem) are known to give a long-lasting heat and flame. Farmers also send coconut palms that have been felled, to wholesale traders in Chathiram Bus Stand. Of late, even though there is no shortage of firewood, wood sellers have added ₹2 per kg, and are insisting that we pay the new prices,” said a restaurateur in Tiruchi.

“We buy approximately three tonnes of firewood per week for our biryani cookery stations. However, looking at the way the prices are rising, we may have to restrict our menu to just biryani, lentil gravy, and yoghurt raita in the coming days, and remove all the side dishes that require gas stoves,” he added.