The price of LPG has increased sharply in recent months. Due to this we can see households in rural areas revert to cooking with wood and charcoal, which can be gathered for free or bought in small amounts.
Women tend to suffer the most when LPG becomes unattainable, as they are usually responsible for gathering firewood. The rising LPG and food prices have forced families to eat fewer, lower-quality meals.
Covid-19 lockdowns at the start of 2020 had already pushed many poorer households around a loss of income as businesses were closed and people were urged to stay home.
Burning wood and charcoal for cooking also exposes people to dangerous levels of air pollution. And it is also a problem for the climate, as it emits potent greenhouse gases like black carbon.
It’s time the BJP government in the State gives subsidy to deserving Goan families to alleviate their suffering.
