Ranchi: Amid the ongoing LPG crisis, several roadside eateries along Kutchery Road, Karamtoli, Lalpur and Doranda in Ranchi have begun converting small 5 kg cylinders into makeshift stoves that run on kerosene or diesel, raising both concern and curiosity among customers.Vendors say the shift is a desperate measure to keep their businesses running as LPG refills remain uncertain. The improvised setup, they claim, is not only more accessible but also significantly cheaper.“We have no choice. LPG cylinders are either unavailable or delayed for days. This stove allows us to use kerosene, which costs less and is easier to obtain. If we shut shop, we lose our only source of income,” said Ramesh Shaw, a roadside food vendor at Kutchery Road.Another vendor from Firayalal Chowk, Sunita Devi, echoed similar concerns. “Daily sales depend on continuous cooking. With LPG supply disrupted, this alternative has helped us survive, even if it’s not ideal,” she said.Customers have raised safety concerns over the use of modified stoves in crowded market areas. “These set-ups look unsafe and risky, especially with so many people around. One small accident can be dangerous,” said Amit Kumar, a passer-by.
