Cook smart, not scared: Your guide to beating LPG crisis

Amid the nation feeling the pinch of the LPG crisis in the wake of the US-Israel-Iran conflict, many households are beginning to worry about how long their gas supply will last.

Some might be tempted to call their agency and order every spare cylinder they have.

But before you turn your kitchen into a mini-fuel depot, there is a thin line between “being prepared” and “breaking the law.”
Here is everything you need to know about the legal limits of gas storage and how to make your current supply last longer.

Know how many cylinders are too many?

In India, gas storage isn’t just about convenience; it is about public safety and fair distribution.

Under the Gas Cylinders Rules, 2016, overseen by the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organization (PESO), there are strict caps on domestic storage.

The 1+1 Rule: Typically, an average household is legally permitted to keep two 14.2 kg cylinders, one in active use and one as a standby backup.

Since LPG is an essential commodity, the government has the power to crack down on stockpiling during a crisis.

If you are caught with the illegal storage of cylinders, the consequences are steep:
Imprisonment: Under the Essential Commodities Act, offenders can face jail time ranging from 3 months to 7 years.

Heavy fines: Financial penalties often accompany legal proceedings.

Confiscation: Authorities have the right to seize all excess cylinders immediately.

Smart cooking: Top tips to save fuel
Instead of hoarding, the better strategy is efficiency.

Simple habit changes can significantly stretch your cylinder’s lifespan.

Master the low flame:High heat doesn’t always mean faster cooking; often, it just means more wasted energy.

Cooking on a low flame can save up to 25 per cent of your LPG.

Don’t light the stove and then start chopping onions.

Have all your ingredients, spices, and utensils ready before you turn the knob.

This prevents the flame from burning uselessly while you hunt for the turmeric.

Alternatives to LPG:If the gas crisis worsens, don’t rely on a single fuel source.

Modern technology and traditional methods can provide a safety net:
Go Electric: An Induction Cooktop is your saviour.

It is perfect for quick tasks like boiling water, making tea, or cooking Maggi.

The Appliance Army:Use a Microwave for boiling potatoes or defrosting, an Electric Steamer for vegetables and eggs, and an Electric Rice Cooker to take the load off your stove.

Back to basics: If you have outdoor space, a traditional mud stove (chulha) or a coal stove can be a lifesaver in emergencies.

As a bonus, many swear that slow-cooked food on a coal fire tastes far superior!

Hoarding creates an artificial crisis for your neighbours and puts your home at risk.

By following safety regulations and switching to energy-efficient habits, you can navigate the shortage without ever running out of fuel.

Sweety Kumari is a seasoned journalist reporting from West Bengal for The Indian Express.

With over a decade of experience in the media industry and eight years specifically with The Indian Express, she demonstrates considerable Expertise and Authority across a diverse range of critical beats.

Experience & Authority
Current Role: Journalist, The Indian Express, reporting from West Bengal.

Extensive Tenure: Over 10 years of experience in the media industry, with a long association (8 years) with The Indian Express, contributing to a high level of Trustworthiness.

Diverse Coverage: Covers crucial beats including Crime, Defence, Health, and Politics, alongside writing on trending topics.

Investigative Focus: Possesses a keen eye for investigative and human-interest stories, demonstrating depth and skill in impactful journalism.

Beat Versatility: Has honed her craft across diverse beats, including aviation and reporting on various incidents, ensuring well-rounded and comprehensive reportage.

Career Start: Began her journalistic journey as an Entertainment and lifestyle journalist with a news portal in Kolkata, providing a foundational understanding of media landscape and audience engagement.

Advanced Education: Holds a PG in Mass Communication from Jadavpur University, equipping her with advanced media theory and skills.

Undergraduate Education: Holds an Honours degree in Journalism from Jaipuria College.

Multilingual Skill: Her fluency in English, Hindi, Bengali, and Maithili enhances her reach and capability to connect with diverse sources and communities in the region, adding a layer of accessibility and authenticity to her reporting.

Regional Roots: Originally from Bihar, she was brought up and educated in Kolkata (Kendriya Vidyalaya Salt Lake), giving her a deep, personal understanding of the cultural and political nuances of her reporting region.

Sweety Kumari's combination of significant experience, specialization in key beats like Crime and Politics, and strong academic background makes her a trusted and authoritative contributor to The Indian Express....

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