You're working in the kitchen, cooking for your family or yourself. The chapati rolls over the tawa when suddenly, the flame starts turning blue and fading slowly. You pause, realizing that oh no! The cylinder is exhausted again. It hasn't even been a month since you last refilled it. In such times of inflation, gas cylinders truly burn a hole in your pocket.
Gas cylinders are a necessity in every household, especially in urban areas where alternative cooking methods like earthen stoves are not feasible. Homes in cities are designed for modern gas-based cooking, and busy daily routines don’t allow time for traditional wood-fired stoves. However, with the rising price of LPG, saving gas has become crucial for both economic and environmental reasons. Implementing certain measures can help you maximize the usage of your LPG cylinder and ensure that you’re not being cheated during delivery.
Rising gas cylinder prices and delivery scams
The price of LPG cylinders has been skyrocketing, with a single domestic cylinder costing up to one thousand rupees for home delivery. While the government provides subsidies to some households, the high price remains a burden for many families. Additionally, some delivery personnel engage in fraudulent practices, leading to a significant loss of gas and money each month. How to Ensure that your LPG cylinder is full ?
Many consumers are unaware of the actual weight of a domestic LPG cylinder. A properly filled cylinder weighs around 29.7 kg this includes the 14.2 kg of gas and the 15.5 kg empty cylinder weight. If the cylinder weighs less than this upon delivery, it indicates a possible scam where less gas has been filled or extracted before sealing.
A few important tips to avoid being cheated during cylinder delivery:
1. Weigh the cylinder before accepting delivery. Ask the delivery person to weigh it in your presence.
2. Keep a weighing machine at home. A small weighing scale with a hook (costing around 200-300 rupees) can help verify the cylinder's weight.
3. Do not rely on the seal. A sealed cylinder does not always guarantee that it contains the correct amount of gas.
4. Check the cylinder weight label. Ensure the weight mentioned matches the actual weight upon delivery.
In addition to being vigilant, here are a few gas saving tips to ensure your cylinder lasts longer and doesn’t run out quickly as reducing LPG consumption not only helps cut household expenses but also contributes to environmental conservation. Here are some effective strategies to save gas while cooking:
1. Cook on Low Heat -Using a low flame conserves gas and helps retain the nutritional value of your food. High flames cause unnecessary gas consumption and can degrade food quality.
2. Soak Ingredients Before Cooking- Soaking rice, lentils, and grains beforehand softens them, reducing cooking time and gas consumption.
3. Cover Cookware with Lids-Cooking with lids traps heat, allowing food to cook faster and minimizing gas use.
4. Use the Right Burner Size -Matching cookware to the correct burner size ensures efficient gas utilization.
5. Prepare Ingredients in Advance Having ingredients ready before igniting the stove prevents unnecessary gas wastage.
6. Keep Burners Clean- Dirty burners cause inefficient gas usage. Regular cleaning ensures optimal performance.
7. Dry Cookware Before Use- Placing wet pots on the stove requires additional gas to evaporate moisture. Drying them beforehand saves gas.
By following these gas-saving techniques and delivery precautions, households can make their LPG cylinders last longer while avoiding financial burn due to scams. These small changes can lead to significant savings and a sustainable lifestyle. Implement these tips today and notice the difference in your gas consumption and expenses!