Kochi: Fans of alfam, kuzhimandi, kebabs and tandoori chicken may soon have to pay more for their favourite dishes as a sharp rise in the price of charcoal, a key ingredient used in grilling, is pushing up cooking costs.

The retail price of charcoal in Ernakulam district has increased by ₹5 to ₹8 per kg, taking the average price to around ₹40 per kg. Premium-grade charcoal now costs as much as ₹50 per kg. Hotel owners say the surge in charcoal prices has left them with little option but to increase the prices of popular grilled dishes.

Heavy dependence on neighbouring states

Nearly 80% of the charcoal required in Kerala is sourced from neighbouring Tamil Nadu. However, supplies from Tamil Nadu have declined in recent weeks. Charcoal is also brought into the state from Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka.

Within Kerala, Ernakulam and Kozhikode are the largest consumers of charcoal. According to supplier Vipin Das, Ernakulam district alone requires nearly 50 tonnes of charcoal every month.

LPG price hike adds to crisis

The steep increase in LPG prices has forced many industries and hotels to switch from cooking gas to firewood. As demand for firewood has risen, producers are finding it more profitable to sell firewood directly instead of converting it into charcoal. Around 20 tonnes of firewood are required to produce only about eight tonnes of charcoal. The labour-intensive production process and relatively low profit margins have also discouraged many producers from manufacturing charcoal, further reducing its availability.