Ajmer, March 12 Disruptions in the supply of commercial LPG cylinders due to the conflict in the Middle East are forcing hotels and restaurants in Ajmer to revert to traditional fuels.
Several small and large eateries across the city have started using these alternatives for cooking, leading to a sharp increase in the demand for coal and wood.
"Earlier, hotels and roadside eateries used to consume limited quantities of coal, but now many businesses are purchasing larger amounts," said coal trader Ayub.
He said that daily wood consumption has risen from around 100 kg to 200-250 kg, and demand is expected to increase further in the coming days.
Another trader, Maan Kewalramani, said that the rising demand has affected prices. "Coal, which earlier sold for Rs 30 per kg, is now around Rs 35 per kg. Similarly, wood has increased from Rs 8 per kg to nearly Rs 10 per kg. Many hotel owners are making bulk bookings to avoid fuel shortages in the near future," he said.
Another coal supplier, Heera Lakhyani, said that if LPG supply does not stabilize soon, both demand and prices for traditional fuels are likely to rise further.