Surge in Demand for Induction Cooktops Amid LPG Supply Concerns
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
New Delhi, March 12 (NationPress) Induction cooktops are swiftly vanishing from various online marketplaces as households in India scramble to secure alternatives to cooking gas due to escalating fears of LPG supply interruptions linked to the ongoing conflict in West Asia.
Leading quick-commerce apps like Blinkit, Zepto, Swiggy Instamart, and BigBasket are displaying “Unavailable” and “Sold Out” indicators for numerous induction cooktops across multiple cities.
These platforms, known for their rapid delivery services, are experiencing a significant uptick in demand for electric cooking devices as consumers seek options beyond LPG cylinders.
Major e-commerce websites such as Amazon and Flipkart are also seeing a dramatic rise in orders.
An Amazon India representative reported that the sales of induction cooktops have soared more than 30 times over the past two days.
“Simultaneously, rice cookers and electric pressure cookers are witnessing nearly fourfold demand, while air fryers and multi-use kettles are experiencing approximately double their usual sales,” the representative noted.
Flipkart confirmed a remarkable increase in demand, stating that sales of induction cooktops have quadrupled in the last four to five days compared to previous weeks.
The surge in demand is particularly notable in regions such as Delhi, Kolkata, and parts of Uttar Pradesh, where consumers are eager to secure alternatives amid anxieties over potential price fluctuations and supply shortages.
This increase in demand underscores the rising concerns among households and small businesses regarding the availability of cooking gas.
The ongoing conflict in West Asia has heightened apprehensions about disruptions in the supply of liquefied petroleum gas and other energy resources.
In the meantime, oil marketing firms have reportedly instructed LPG distributors to prioritize supplies for vital establishments like hospitals and educational institutions.
In response, the government has ramped up domestic LPG production by approximately 25 percent and is directing the entirety of the output towards household consumers to ensure an uninterrupted supply of cooking gas amidst the evolving circumstances in West Asia.
As per the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, the government issued an order on March 8, mandating refineries and petrochemical complexes to maximize LPG production.