With LPG shortages affecting households in cities like Kolkata, small changes in your cooking routine can help stretch your gas supply. These simple kitchen hacks don’t require any special equipment and can reduce fuel consumption significantly.
1. Switch to a Pressure Cooker
Pressure cookers are one of the most effective ways to save LPG. Cooking rice, dal, chicken, and vegetables in a pressure cooker reduces cooking time drastically, cutting fuel usage by up to 30%.
2. Keep Lids On
Always cover your pans with lids. Trapping heat inside the vessel cooks food faster and prevents energy from escaping into the air, reducing cooking time by nearly a quarter.
3. Prep Ingredients in Advance
Soak rice, lentils, and beans before cooking. Pre-soaked ingredients cook faster and require less energy, saving both time and gas.
4. Monitor the Flame
Once water boils or food reaches the desired temperature, reduce the flame to medium or simmer. Constant high flames burn unnecessary fuel.
5. Defrost Before Cooking
Frozen meat or vegetables take longer to heat, wasting gas. Defrost food to room temperature before cooking to save energy.
6. Use the Right Amount of Water
Avoid overfilling pots. Extra water takes longer to heat and requires more gas. Use only the amount necessary for cooking.
7. Choose Efficient Cookware
Wide, flat-bottomed vessels allow better flame contact and distribute heat evenly, cooking food faster. Heavy-gauge utensils retain heat, and separators in pressure cookers let you cook multiple items simultaneously, reducing repeated stove usage.
By adopting these habits, households can make their LPG cylinder last longer while cooking efficiently, conserving fuel, and reducing energy costs — perfect for these challenging times.
