As Bengaluru grapples with a shortage of commercial LPG cylinders affecting restaurants, a fuel-efficient “rocket stove” developed by a city resident is gaining renewed attention as a possible alternative.
Innovation finds relevance amid crisis
Ashok Urs (65), a former professional with the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC), said he has been receiving calls from hoteliers exploring alternatives to conventional cooking fuel.
The stove, which he developed nearly six years ago, was originally designed for rural households that rely heavily on firewood.
Built for efficiency and sustainability
Urs explained that the idea was to promote efficient use of biomass in regions where firewood is either scarce or used unsustainably.
“In many rural areas, people cook on open fires that consume large amounts of wood and produce heavy smoke. The goal was to reduce both fuel usage and smoke exposure,” he said.
The design helps minimise indoor air pollution, a common concern in traditional wood-based cooking methods.
How the rocket stove works
The rocket stove is a compact, wood-burning device with an insulated L-shaped combustion chamber. This structure improves airflow and creates a strong draft, allowing fuel to burn at higher temperatures.
It uses small pieces of biomass such as twigs, coconut shells, dry leaves and agricultural waste. Due to more complete combustion, it produces less smoke and requires significantly less fuel compared to traditional stoves.
From rural kitchens to city interest
Urs has demonstrated the stove at public events, including open days at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), to raise awareness about sustainable cooking solutions. Each unit is priced at approximately ₹3,000.
While initially aimed at rural users, the ongoing LPG crisis has prompted small eateries and food outlets in Bengaluru to consider whether such alternatives could offer temporary relief.
Not a full replacement, but a support option
Industry observers note that while rocket stoves may not fully replace commercial LPG for large-scale cooking, they could serve as a supplementary solution during supply disruptions.
The current situation has highlighted the importance of exploring diverse and sustainable energy options, especially for sectors heavily dependent on uninterrupted fuel supply.