Srinagar, Dec 3: With Valley reeling under LPG crisis and power shortage, the demand for Kangiris (earthen pot) has increased more this winter than it used to be in previous years.
 Market observers here said the demand for Kangiri has increased manifold this winter as people “cannot bank upon gas-run gadgets” due to gas scarcity in the market and new norms issued by the central government in regard to LPG. “Besides, the electricity is also playing hide and seek with the people,” they said.
 “Presently, I am selling more than 200 Kangiris a day. I have never witnessed such great demand for the product. Our business has increased due to LPG crisis in the Valley,” said Muhammad Shafi, a shopkeeper at Batamaloo, here.
 Shafi expects the demand will further increase in coming days. “I hope our sales will further go up as people who used gas-run gadgets for heating purposes, don’t find LPG in the market,” he said.
 Kangri, an earthen container filled with embers, is used during winters in Kashmir to get warmth.  “Kangri is cheaper than oil, gas or wood-fired heaters. All you need is 250 grams of charcoal to ignite a Kangri,” said Mushtaq Ahmad, a Srinagar resident.

Sale of Kangri
 With the onset of winter, Kangris demand shoots up. Curiously, with the increase in the demand, the prices of the Kangri have also increased.
 “The prices have almost doubled,” said Aijaz Ahmad, while purchasing Kangiris at Batamaloo.
 “Some of the Kangris that have been intricately designed with quality twigs have simply become unaffordable for a common man,” he said.
 Pertinently last year, the price of average Kangiri was around Rs 80 to Rs 90 but at present same earthen pot is sold at Rs 150 or more.
 To mention, Kangris are made across Kashmir Valley, artisans in some areas specialize in Kangri-making. The Kangris of Chrar Sharif are sold at Rs 250 and Bandipora Kangiris at Rs 300 in the market.

Lastupdate on : Mon, 3 Dec 2012 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Mon, 3 Dec 2012 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Tue, 4 Dec 2012 00:00:00 IST