Delhi Retailers Witness Sharp Rise in Induction Cooktop Sales Amid LPG Shortage Concerns
Retailers across Delhi are experiencing a significant surge in the sale of induction cooktops and electric cooking appliances. This trend comes as households and eateries prepare for potential shortages of LPG cylinders, driven by growing concerns over supply disruptions.
Panic Buying Drives Sales Spike
Shopkeepers have noted a noticeable increase in demand over the past two days. Customers are actively purchasing electric stoves, infrared cooktops, rice cookers, and compatible utensils. Amit Gupta, owner of Effects Kitchens and Hardware in Connaught Place, highlighted the shift, stating, “Since yesterday, we have had over 200 walk-in customers and another 250–300 enquiries via phone. Earlier, electric cooktops were mostly bought by hotels, but now even households are buying them in panic due to fears of LPG stoppages.”
Retail Trends Across Key Areas
Similar patterns are reported in neighborhoods like Green Park and Lajpat Nagar. Sales of induction cooktops have risen by up to 75%, while compatible cookware has seen an increase of nearly 70%. This reflects a broader move towards electric cooking solutions as a precautionary measure.
Impact on Restaurants and Eateries
Restaurants, which heavily rely on LPG cylinders, are also feeling the impact. Manpreet Singh, treasurer of the National Restaurant Association of India, explained, “Some eateries have switched to induction and electric cooking, but menus are being limited as not all dishes can be prepared this way. Smaller establishments are struggling to source LPG and face black market prices.”
In response, some smaller restaurants are exploring alternatives such as coal or wood-based cooking. However, eateries connected to piped gas networks remain unaffected by these supply issues.
Government Measures and Industry Response
The government has revised the priority order for domestically-produced natural gas, placing LPG, CNG, and piped cooking gas at the top of the allocation list. This move aims to stabilize supply, but the ongoing concerns have already spurred a shift in consumer behavior.
The trend underscores growing anxiety among Delhi households and businesses regarding LPG availability. As fears persist, the adoption of electric cooking appliances is likely to continue rising, marking a significant change in how food is prepared in the city.
