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n acute supply and shortages of LPG gas cylinders have brought work to a near standstill in Thaikkal, a coastal artisan cluster in Kollidam block of Mayiladuthurai district known for its Geographical Indication (GI)-tagged rattan craft, disrupting livelihoods across at least a dozen villages.
With commercial cylinders unavailable through regular channels, artisans say they are being forced to procure them in the black market at prices ranging from ₹4,500 to ₹5,300, rendering production unviable.
“This is not just an issue for artisans. Around 12 villages depend on this craft,” said B. Mohamed Musthafa, president of the Thaikkal traders’ association. “There are over 40 rattan units here, employing between four and 20 workers each. Today, most of them are without work.”
Thaikkal’s rattan cluster—largely sustained by Muslim artisans along with workers from other communities—produces swings, sofas, dining sets, tables and chairs that are supplied across Tamil Nadu. The craft is heavily dependent on LPG, which is used to heat and bend cane.
