LPG shortage: Samridhi@Kochi feels the heat as cooking gas supply dries up in Kerala

Kochi's Samridhi eatery faces closure due to LPG shortage, threatening livelihoods and forcing a shift to firewood cooking.

Samridhi@Kochi, the budget eatery jointly run by the Kochi Corporation in Kerala and the district Kudumbashree Mission, is staring at an imminent crisis, with closure of their outlets looming large as the city grapples with a worsening shortage of LPG even as it is preparing to fall back on firewood hearths as a desperate alternative.

Samridhi’s central kitchen at Paramara Road in Ernakulam North, along with its Fort Kochi outlet and three canteens — at Cochin Shipyard Limited, the Kochi Corporation office, and the Greater Cochin Development Authority (GCDA) – are currently reportedly operating on the last lot of 30-odd commercial LPG cylinders arranged by the Corporation as an emergency measure.

“This may be enough to last just a day. From tomorrow (Friday), we may have to shift to firewood-based cooking,” said Kochi Mayor V.K. Minimol.

The two Samridhi outlets together draw an average daily footfall of 4,000. With supplies dwindling, menus have already been pared down. The outlets and canteens employ around 280 Kudumbashree members, and any disruption in operations could have serious repercussions for their livelihoods.

“Samridhi outlets are a blessing to daily wage workers and students living in the city from far-off areas. In a crisis, we cannot simply let them down. Hence, it is imperative to find an alternative to keep the fires burning,” said sources associated with Samridhi.

Launched in 2021, Samridhi initially offered meals at ₹10, with the State government providing an equal subsidy. Though the subsidy was withdrawn in August 2023, meals continue to be sold at ₹20 unlike other Janakeeya hotels despite rising prices of essential items. This has been sustained through cross-subsidy, with additional items on the menu priced reasonably. Samridhi@Kochi now sells 2,500–3,000 meals a day and its outlet at North remains open round the clock.