More street vendors now using portable gas stoves

The Jakarta Post ,  Jakarta   |  Sat, 04/12/2008 11:17 AM  |  City

Street vendors in the city have made a smooth transition from using kerosene to liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) with the availability of portable stoves.

Budi, who sells chicken noodles in front of a state elementary school in Slipi, Central Jakarta, has been using a gas stove for six months.

"LPG is cheaper and more efficient than kerosene. I only spend between Rp 13,000 (US$1.5) and Rp 15,000 to refill a three-kilogram container, which lasts for two or three days," he said.

"When I was using a kerosene stove, I would use about two liters of kerosene a day. It's more expensive. It's around Rp 7,000 per liter now," he added.

People could buy kerosene for about Rp 2,500 a liter last year.

The price skyrocketed after the central government reduced subsidies and supply for kerosene consumption to start a transition program to LPG among households and small businesses.

The government is also distributing free gas stoves and canisters to help the transition.

Budi has been using the portable gas stove since the price of kerosene increased and its supply became scarce in the city.

He said besides being cheaper, LPG also produced a stronger flame, allowing him to cook faster.

"It only takes about 15 minutes to cook a big pan of noodles, while it would take more than 20 minutes using a kerosene stove," said Budi, who bought his portable gas stove for Rp 95,000 at Palmerah market.

"The stove is more practical compared to the one distributed by the government. It is small enough to fit into my cart," he said.

Budi said he usually refueled at LPG stands at the market and had no problem finding gas.

Budi previously used a gas stove provided by the city administration but it was too bulky to fit into his cart.

Other streets vendors are also facing the same problem, which has led to household appliance stores creatively assembling stoves for the high mobility needs of street vendors.

Because of its practicality, there is high demand for the stoves and, as a result, the price has increased significantly.

Slamet, who sells fried chicken in Palmerah market, also uses the portable gas stove.

"Three days ago, I bought it from a nearby gas stove shop for Rp 175,000. I also bought a 1.5 meter gas pipe and a gas regulator for Rp 65,000 and Rp 165,000 each," said Slamet.

"I heard many people are still reluctant to use gas stoves because they are afraid they might explode. But I'm not. It's just important to use them correctly and carefully," said Slamet, who sells 20 chickens for and makes Rp 500,000 per day.(trw)

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