Kolkata Residents Turn to Diesel Stoves as LPG Shortage Intensifies
The ongoing LPG crisis in Kolkata has sparked a frantic search for alternative cooking methods, leading to a dramatic resurgence in demand for diesel stoves. Traditional stoves are also making a comeback in kitchens across the city as households and businesses desperately seek substitutes to keep their cooking operations running.
Shops Overwhelmed by Enquiries, Stock Depleted
On Old China Bazar Street, the two remaining shops that manufacture diesel stoves have been inundated with customers over the past three to four days. Sanjay Chaudhuri, one of the shop owners, revealed the severity of the situation. "There is a huge demand for diesel stoves, but the supply is almost zero. Whatever we had was already sold out," he stated.
Chaudhuri explained that diesel stoves were previously a niche product with little demand, primarily serving sweet shop owners on an order basis. However, enquiries have surged dramatically since the LPG crisis emerged. "Anyone coming now is given our contact number and asked to check with us next week. But we are not sure if we will be able to supply them even then, as we don't have the manpower to manufacture them in bulk," he added. The shop used to maintain a stock of five or six stoves but stopped production in advance due to lack of buyers.
Prices Skyrocket Amid Sudden Demand Surge
The sudden and overwhelming demand has caused prices to shoot up sharply. Diesel stoves that typically sold for between Rs 5,000 and Rs 10,000 are now being quoted at over Rs 30,000 for urgent purchases. This price hike reflects the desperation of buyers, including hotels and restaurants, who are seeking to maintain their kitchen operations during the fuel shortage.
Bhavesh Doshi, another shop owner, confirmed the overwhelming response. "We are receiving 30 to 40 enquiries every day, but at present we do not have a single piece in our store. We have informed customers about this, though we have no idea when we will be able to supply them," he said.
Businesses and Individuals Scramble for Alternatives
The crisis has affected a wide range of people, from small business owners to community organizations. Rahul Chakraborty, a digital marketing professional, visited the shops on behalf of four clients seeking diesel stoves on an emergency basis but found none available. "I came here on behalf of four clients, but he told me that not a single piece is left," he reported.
Arun Chow, who runs a fast-food shop on Bentinck Street, shared his predicament. "My shop has been closed for some time as I haven't received any gas cylinders, and one cylinder alone is not enough to run the place. I came searching for a diesel stove. But they could not give any assurance, so I am now planning to buy an induction oven," he explained.
Similarly, Arup Kumar Mandal from Sonarpur, associated with ISKCON, urgently needs an alternative fuel to continue cooking prasad for devotees daily. "We urgently need an alternative fuel to continue, but they told me the stove is not available. I will now have to buy an induction cooker," he said, highlighting the shift towards other cooking technologies like induction cookers as viable substitutes.
This rush for diesel stoves underscores the broader impact of the LPG crisis on Kolkata's daily life and economy, forcing residents and businesses to adapt quickly to maintain essential services.
