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India faces LPG shortages due to global tensions disrupting imports, leading to longer refill delays and menu cuts for businesses. To cope, households can explore alternatives like induction cooktops, electric pressure cookers, solar cookers, biogas systems, air fryers, and microwave ovens, ensuring cooking continuity during unpredictable times.
Nothing can be more troublesome than an empty LPG cylinder right when it's time to prepare the dinner! But with prices rising and gas shortages seemingly hitting India right in the face amid geopolitical tensions, diverged shipping routes for oil and gas have put households, restaurants, and even hospitals in a scramble.
No LPG cylinder 5 smart ways Indians can cook without gas cylinders (Reprsentative Image)
Why LPG supply concerns are rising
Global tensions, such as the US-Israel-Iran conflicts, have disrupted the Strait of Hormuz, due to which the route for 90% of India's LPG imports has been disrupted. Although refineries increased production by 30%, panic buying and hoarding have strained supplies.
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Households are now facing longer refill delays, while eateries in Mumbai and Bengaluru have shortened menus or shut down. On March 8, the government activated the LPG Control Order to prioritize homes over hotels, according to a PIB report.In order to help sustain cooking in unpredictable times, here are a few alternative cooking options that can be taken up.
Induction cooktops
These electric wonders heat pots directly via magnets, with the use of any gas or flame. They are faster than gas, with auto-shutoff and presets for dal or rotis. Safe to be used by kids, energy-efficient at 80–90%. Costs Rs 2–5 per meal vs LPG's Rs 3–7. It is a perfect urban backup and just needs stable power.
Electric pressure cookers
One gadget does it all: a pressure cooker that helps cook rice, steam veggies, and slow-sim curries. And popular brands cut cooking time by 70%, also need zero watching. These electrical appliances help save LPG and multi-use means less gear clutter; it is ideal for homes facing 25 days of gas refill time.
Solar cookers
Solar cookers are like free fuel from the Sun! Box or panel types simmer dal and bake bread on clear and sunny days. However, it is a one-time investment, with zero running cost after the Rs 1,500–5,000 buy-in.
Great for rural India with many sunny days per year. Paired with utensils, it works for 4–6 people. It is like an eco-win amid shortages.
Representative Image
Biogas systems
Home biogas systems convert kitchen scraps and cow dung into free cooking gas using digesters that cost Rs 20,000 to Rs 50,000. They provide a steady fuel supply for stoves while reducing household waste. Farms find them especially practical, with government subsidies available to offset costs.
This reliable, long-term solution proves valuable during crises.
Air fryers and microwave ovens
Air fryers and microwave ovens deliver quick fries, reheats, and bakes without oil or gas. Air fryers replicate deep-frying with 80% less fat, while microwaves heat leftovers in just two minutes. They handle snacks and sides perfectly, saving LPG for main dishes. Starting at Rs 3,000, these affordable options offer a healthy boost for families hit by shortages.
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