Udupi: Hotels in Udupi are looking for alternative cooking methods due to the shortage of commercial LPG cylinder supplies.

Many hotel owners have started using traditional wood-fired stoves along with modified methods such as turbo wood stoves and electric induction cooktops to continue their operations.

Depending on the availability of space, some hotels are preparing food using firewood stoves. However, this method is not possible for all hotels in the city. As a result, many establishments are turning to turbo wood stoves.

In this system, a small electric fan is attached to a firewood stove. The fan helps control the flame and allows cooking with less smoke while reducing the need for gas. Firewood is placed in an iron stove and the fan regulates the heat, similar to a gas stove.

Demand for such turbo wood stoves has increased in the past four to five days. Several small hotels and canteens are managing their kitchens using one or two of these stoves.

Meanwhile, many households have begun purchasing induction cooktops because of rising gas prices and supply shortages. However, induction cooktops require compatible utensils, so buyers are also purchasing suitable cookware along with the stove.

Traders say the demand for induction stoves has increased sharply. While they are easy to use in homes, large hotels may find it difficult initially as they require higher electricity capacity and a continuous power supply. Power interruptions can also affect cooking.

Hotel owners said they are keeping multiple options open, including firewood stoves, turbo wood stoves, induction cooktops and LPG stoves, depending on availability and cost.

In Mangaluru, the demand for electric induction cooktops has also increased suddenly. Usually, air conditioners and coolers see high sales during summer, but this season induction stoves are selling more due to concerns over gas supply.

Kitchen appliance shops say people are using induction stoves along with gas stoves to reduce the consumption of LPG cylinders.

Raghavendra Rao Agari, owner of Agari Enterprises, said the demand for induction cooktops has increased significantly in the last few days. Earlier, only one or two units were sold, but now the number has risen sharply with multiple brands being purchased by customers.

Shops have also reported shortages of stock. Ramakrishna Kamath of Kamath & Co. said the store has run out of induction cooktop stock and new orders have already been placed.