Running out of cooking gas unexpectedly can be frustrating, especially when the cost of refilling a cylinder continues to rise. Many households rely on LPG for their daily cooking needs, making it essential to use it efficiently and ensure fair delivery practices. By adopting simple gas-saving habits and being cautious during delivery, you can extend the life of your LPG cylinder and avoid unnecessary expenses.
Rising LPG Prices and Delivery Frauds
The cost of LPG cylinders has been increasing, making it a significant monthly expense for many families. Despite government subsidies for some, the high price remains a burden. Additionally, fraudulent practices during delivery can lead to consumers receiving less gas than they paid for.
Ensuring You Receive a Full Cylinder
A standard domestic LPG cylinder should weigh approximately 29.7 kg, including 14.2 kg of gas and 15.5 kg of the empty cylinder. To avoid being cheated, follow these steps:
- Weigh the cylinder upon delivery: Request the delivery person to weigh it in your presence.
- Keep a personal weighing scale: A small weighing scale with a hook (available for around 200-300 rupees) can help verify the weight.
- Don’t rely solely on the seal: A sealed cylinder does not always guarantee a full gas supply.
- Check the weight label: Ensure the mentioned weight matches the actual weight upon delivery.
Practical Gas-Saving Tips
Reducing LPG consumption not only helps save money but also contributes to environmental conservation. Here are some simple yet effective ways to make your gas cylinder last longer:
- Cook on Low Heat: Cooking on a medium or low flame helps retain nutrients and prevents excessive gas usage.
- Soak Ingredients Before Cooking: Pre-soaking grains, lentils, and rice reduces cooking time and conserves gas.
- Use Lids While Cooking: Covering pots and pans traps heat, allowing food to cook faster with less gas.
- Match Cookware to Burner Size: Using the right size pot for each burner ensures efficient gas usage.
- Prepare Ingredients Before Lighting the Stove: Having everything ready before turning on the gas prevents unnecessary waste.
- Clean Burners Regularly: Dirty burners reduce efficiency and increase gas consumption.
- Dry Cookware Before Use: Using dry pots and pans prevents additional gas usage to evaporate moisture.
By following these precautions and cooking habits, households can extend the usage of their LPG cylinders, reduce expenses, and contribute to a more sustainable lifestyle. Small changes in daily cooking practices can lead to significant savings over time.
