With LPG cylinder deliveries getting delayed following supply disruptions linked to the ongoing Iran conflict, many households in Chennai are adopting gas-saving cooking practices to make their cylinders last longer. Residents say cylinders that usually arrive within two or three days after booking are now taking nearly a week in some areas.
Homemakers across the city have begun changing their cooking routines to conserve LPG. One-pot cooking, where multiple ingredients are cooked together, has become a popular option. “We now prepare dishes like vegetable pulao or khichdi that can be cooked in a single vessel. It saves both time and gas,” said R. Lakshmi, a resident of Anna Nagar. She added that her family is also relying more on pressure cooker meals instead of preparing several separate dishes.
Cooking experts say traditional Indian kitchens already have many methods that help reduce fuel consumption. “Using a pressure cooker is the most efficient way to save LPG. Food cooks faster and the flame stays on for less time,” said Chef S. Karthik, a Chennai-based culinary consultant. He also suggested soaking rice and lentils before cooking and keeping vessels covered while cooking to reduce gas usage.
Some families are also turning to induction stoves and electric cookers as backup options until LPG supply normalises. With uncertainty over cylinder delivery continuing, many Chennai residents say smart cooking habits are helping them manage the situation while ensuring meals are prepared without wasting precious gas.