Hydrocarbons are one family of natural refrigerants, alongside CO2 and ammonia. In commercial refrigeration the two that matter are R290 and R600a. Both have excellent heat-transfer properties, so systems need only small charges and often use less electricity than comparable HFC units.
The trade-off is flammability. Equipment is designed around it: small charges, sealed electrical components that will not spark near the refrigerant, warning labels and specific service procedures. Recovery, nitrogen purging before brazing, good ventilation and leak detectors suited to hydrocarbons are standard practice for a trained technician.
For a buyer in India, hydrocarbon cabinets offer a way to lower running costs and stay clear of the HFC phase-down. The practical checks are simple: confirm the refrigerant on the rating plate, keep the unit in a ventilated position as the manufacturer instructs, and make sure the service provider is trained for flammable refrigerants rather than treating the unit like an old R134a cabinet.