Vijay SinghNew Delhi [India], March 14: The US-Iran war is being fought miles away in the Middle East, yet its ripples have already reached our kitchens. Ever since the war started, LPG prices have skyrocketed across the country, while many places are witnessing shortages.
Until now, the government had been actively encouraging the use of LPG, over the years, with LPG coverage nearing 100% saturation under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY).
With Indians now depending on LPG for their daily meals more than ever, the supply disruption from the Middle East has started to bite everyone from students, housewives, canteen owners, restaurateurs and more. But the lack of LPG cylinders does not mean that we go back to traditional, polluting chulhas, there are solutions that have existed earlier and can work as a viable alternative.
Electric induction cooktops
The induction cooktop is the primary solution here. These appliances use electromagnetic energy to heat cookware directly, making them significantly more energy-efficient than traditional electric stoves.
Induction cooktops are particularly popular these days as they run on electricity, just like your press iron. They heat food quickly, offer precise temperature control, and eliminate the risk of gas leaks. Already used as a backup during LPG refill delays, these cooktops will now rule the roost, though you will require compatible cookware and a continuous supply of electricity.
PNG pipelines emerging as a stable option
Piped Natural Gas (PNG) is another cheaper alternative in cities where gas pipeline infrastructure is available. The biggest advantage here is convenience, as you get a continuous supply through pipelines, like water or electricity, though its availability is limited to certain cities for now.
Electric pressure cookers and multi-cookers
Electric pressure cookers have been around for quite some time now, and can be used to make rice, dal, curries or streamed dishes without using LPG. Ideal for household use, many of these models come with programmable settings, allowing you to prepare quick meals using standard electricity connections.
Solar cookers offer eco-friendly option
Solar cookers are another alternative that has long been promoted in India but remains underutilized. These devices use sunlight to generate heat for cooking, making them completely fuel-free and environmentally friendly.
They work well in regions with strong sunlight and are ideal for slow cooking dishes such as rice, lentils, and vegetables, though they aren’t that popular as weather conditions and daylight availability of sunlight varies widely.
The road ahead
The LPG shortage highlights the importance of diversifying India’s cooking energy ecosystem. While LPG continues to remain the primary cooking fuel for millions of households, alternatives using electric appliances and piped gas systems will be highly encouraged as a hedge to remove the dependency on LPG cylinders.
Though you may not be able to replace LPG entirely, these backup options offer a viable alternative that doesn’t require you to stand in line for hours for a gas cylinder. Given the rising costs of these cylinders, you could even use LPG as a backup if necessary!
