The demand for alternate energy source; firewood and coal, has increased due to gas load shedding in various localities of the twin cities.
Firewood stall owner at Sector G-7 said that the sale of firewood and coal had increased for the last few days. He said that most of the hotels also started using firewood and coal for cooking due to low gas pressure. He said that coal being sold at Rs 50 per kg while dry wood being sold at Rs 700 per 40 kilogrammes.
A consumer at a dry wood stall claimed that the prices of firewood and coal have been increased by the firewood traders. He also claimed that firewood prices were different in different localities, it was available between Rs 700 and Rs 900 per 40 kilogrammes.
The owner of a firewood stall claimed that the jump in prices of firewood was because of huge transportation cost.
A hotel owner at Aabpara Market claimed that most of the hotels cooking foods on firewood due to low gas pressure. He said that most of the nanbais also used firewood and coal for cooking naan and roti.
The residents of G-7/3 claimed that due to low gas pressure in the morning, they use firewood for cooking breakfast and tea. The residents have urged the authorities concerned to take action against the sudden increase in the prices of firewood and coal.