India is facing a shortage of cooking gas cylinders amid the ongoing global energy crisis triggered by the war. With supplies of both commercial and domestic cylinders disrupted, households and food businesses are struggling. Many people report that even booked cylinders are not being delivered, while several hostels, hotels, and restaurants have been forced to close or turn to alternative cooking methods.
Initially, the shortage affected commercial cylinders used by restaurants and catering businesses, but it has now extended to domestic supplies. Some restaurants have resorted to cooking over traditional wood fires to continue operations. The disruption has highlighted the urgent need for alternative cooking solutions across the country.
Several alternatives are being adopted to ease the gas shortage. Electric pressure cookers are emerging as a popular option, capable of cooking a wide variety of dishes, from rice to biryani, while saving fuel and reducing cooking time. Biogas generated from cow dung and kitchen waste is another cost-free and sustainable option, particularly for households with livestock.
Induction and solar stoves offer additional solutions. Induction stoves run on electricity and are up to 50% faster than traditional gas stoves, with prices ranging from ₹1,200 to ₹1,400. Solar stoves, powered entirely by sunlight, provide a completely eco-friendly and cost-effective cooking method. These alternatives are helping households and businesses cope with the ongoing energy shortage while reducing dependence on conventional cooking gas.