Fuel crisis sparks interest in innovative Vishwaguru Chulha

March 25, 2026 Innovation Valli Sarvani

Rising global tensions are beginning to affect everyday life in India, especially in household kitchens.

Disruptions along the Strait of Hormuz have slowed LPG shipments, which account for nearly 85-90% of India’s imports.

As a result, supply delays are increasing, prices are rising, and many households and eateries are facing shortages.

Amid this uncertainty, an alternative cooking solution is gaining attention. Known as the “Vishwaguru Chulha,” this stove offers a multi-functional approach to cooking.

It allows users to boil, fry, and bake simultaneously, preparing meals for up to 25 people in about 30 minutes.

The innovation comes from Mohammad Sher Khan, an iron craftsman from Udaipur, Rajasthan.

Despite leaving school after Class 8, Khan spent nearly three decades mastering metalwork. Over time, he focused on creating practical tools that simplify daily life.

His idea was rooted in observation. He noticed that traditional cooking methods required significant time and fuel, especially for dishes prepared separately.

Women often spent hours cooking with firewood, which also produced heavy smoke. Therefore, Khan aimed to design a stove that saves both time and energy.

The Vishwaguru Chulha features a three-layer structure. The top section is used for baking items like rotis or bread.

Meanwhile, the middle layer supports frying or grilling. The bottom section handles boiling tasks such as dals and curries. This design ensures multiple dishes can be cooked at once, improving efficiency.

In addition, the stove uses significantly less fuel. While traditional chulhas may need around 10 kg of firewood, this version requires only about 2 kg. It also produces less smoke, making it safer for indoor use.

Khan refined the design over 27 years before securing a patent in 2017. Since then, more than 10,000 units have been sold across India. Users include households, roadside eateries, and small businesses.

Priced at approximately ₹10,000, the stove is emerging as an affordable option during fuel shortages. Its efficiency and versatility are drawing attention at a time when reliable LPG supply remains uncertain.

Image by Johnni Buch from Pxhere (Free for commercial use / CC0 Public Domain)

Image Published on August 23, 2023