Nearly 23 % of Indian households bought an induction cooktop due to worries that liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) supplies become scarce in their areas. It is due to the conflict in West Asia, according to a survey.
The survey found that many outlets sold 50 to 70 induction cooktops daily over the past week, which is much more than usual.
LPG shortage led households to buy Induction Cooktops
“The demand surge is closely tied to rising concerns about LPG availability across the country. Panic buying of cylinders and long lines outside gas distribution centers reported in several states. This has led households and small businesses to switch to electric cooking appliances as a backup,” the survey noted.
About 75 % of those who bought a induction cooktop said they did so because they worried about potential disruptions to LPG supplies in their area.
Increase sales of electric rice cookers and pressure cookers
The survey also revealed that around 57 % of households experienced delays in receiving LPG cylinders last week. Nearly one in five respondents said they bought LPG in the black market.
As a result, many households and small businesses have begun using electric cooking appliances as a backup. Retailers mentioned that coil-based electric stoves, or hot plates, are selling quickly because they are cheap and work with standard cookware.
Sales of electric rice cookers and pressure cookers have surged, with some e-commerce sites reporting demand nearly four times higher than usual. Electric kettles and multipurpose cooking kettles are also selling more as consumers use them for simple cooking tasks when gas is not available.
Read also: Modi Launches Assam Projects, Gives Tea Workers Land Rights