Lucknow: Short supply of commercial LPG cylinders pushed sweet shops, roadside eateries and catering units, to shift to diesel-fired stoves, many of them being locally improvised ‘jugaad’ units, to maintain uninterrupted bulk supply of food. Operators said they began exploring alternatives after repeated delays in cylinder refills during the ongoing wedding and festive season.In several markets, diesel ‘bhatti’ (oven) are used either as back-up or as main cooking device to avoid disruption in supply.Many of these stoves are locally fabricated or assembled using available components. The typical set-up includes a small diesel tank, an electric air blower, connecting pipes and a metal furnace chamber. Diesel is supplied through pump to a nozzle, where it is sprayed, mixed with air and ignited to produce a high-intensity flame suitable for large-scale cooking.The units are generally made of mild steel or stainless-steel frames, with cast-iron burners designed to support large utensils. Basic fuel valves and air regulators are used to manage the flame, though operators said the heat control is not as precise as LPG systems.Owner of a restaurant unit, Rizwan Ahmad, said, “We cannot afford to stop cooking because of LPG delays. These diesel stoves, even the locally assembled ones, help us continue bulk preparation. Diesel is easily available and cost is manageable compared to shutting operations.”Some business owners said diesel stoves are proving more practical than coal or wood-fired furnaces they used earlier. Aliganj sweet shop owner Manoj Gupta said, “Coal bhatti requires more storage space and manual handling. These diesel units are easier to operate and require less effort, though they are temporary arrangements.”Users, however, pointed to operational concerns. Ajay Sharma, who runs an eatery in Hazratganj, said, “The main issue is heat cannot be regulated as accurately as in LPG stoves. But given shortage of commercial cylinders, this ‘jugaad’ is helping us manage daily cooking.”Traders dealing in commercial kitchen equipment said enquiries for diesel ‘bhattis’ had increased. Aminabad trader Sanjay Verma said, “Halwai shops and caterers are approaching us for diesel stoves as an alternative due to LPG supply issues.”Despite concerns about higher smoke and emissions compared to LPG, operators said they may continue to keep diesel stoves as an emergency back-up even after regular LPG supply resumes.
