LPG Shortage Triggers Unprecedented Demand for Electric Cooking Appliances in Panchkula
A sudden shortage of LPG cylinders in Panchkula and its surrounding regions has led to a dramatic increase in the purchase of electric cooking appliances. Local shops have reported record-breaking sales, with items such as induction cooktops, rice cookers, and electric kettles selling out rapidly throughout the day.
Shopkeepers and Residents Describe the Rush
Narinder Singla, a shopkeeper in the area, highlighted the overwhelming demand. "We witnessed record sales today," he said. "Induction cooktops, rice cookers, and electric kettles were in huge demand, and by evening almost all such appliances were sold out." This sentiment was echoed by homemakers like Veena Jain, who explained, "We ran out of our LPG cylinder and the booking system was not responding. So we came to buy an induction cooktop and rice cooker so that we can cook food at home."
Massive Sales Surge Reported by Major Retailers
The demand has not been limited to local stores. Online platforms have experienced exponential growth in sales. A Flipkart spokesperson revealed that induction cooktop sales have surged to 25 times the usual levels over the past two days. They noted, "The prevailing global condition has led to the induction of the cooktop from a 'kitchen upgrade' into a 'survival necessity' for many households." Sales are particularly high in areas like Delhi, Kolkata, and Uttar Pradesh, with other categories such as electric cookers, kettles, and air fryers also seeing significant increases.
Similarly, an Amazon India spokesperson reported a 30X increase in induction cooktop sales, along with a 4X rise for rice cookers and electric pressure cookers. Air fryers and multi-use vessels have also doubled in sales compared to regular days.
Supply Chain and Availability Issues
The rush for alternatives has led to widespread shortages. Induction cooktops on platforms like Swiggy Instamart, BlinkIt, and Croma are either sold out or currently unavailable. This scarcity is driven by consumer fears of ongoing disruptions in LPG supply, prompting many to secure backup cooking options.
This situation underscores a broader trend of households adapting to resource constraints by investing in electric appliances, transforming what was once a convenience into an essential tool for daily survival.
