LPG Shortage Triggers Rush for Induction Cooking Equipment in India's Hospitality Sector
In the wake of a severe shortage of LPG for commercial purposes, India's hospitality industry and industrial caterers are scrambling to adapt their kitchens. Cooking equipment manufacturers are experiencing a flood of inquiries and orders, as businesses seek alternatives to keep operations running smoothly.
Surge in Demand for Induction Products
Manufacturers report an unprecedented demand for a wide range of induction cooking equipment, including fryers, hot plates, and four-burner induction cooktops. Additionally, there is growing interest in firewood boilers as a backup solution. This shift is driven by the urgent need to mitigate the impact of the LPG supply crunch.
C Shiva Chandran, Managing Director of Coimbatore-based Chandran Steels, highlighted a significant case where a leading chain of malls in India, which operates kitchens across its outlets, approached his company to purchase all available induction products directly from the factory. "This is required for their bulk kitchens across the country. Other categories such as restaurants and industrial caterers are looking at immediate purchase and installation," he explained.
The product range in demand varies widely:
- Induction hot plates as alternatives to traditional dosa tawas
- Chinese woks for specialized cooking
- Rice steamers and flat-bottom vessels for making sambar, particularly sought by small restaurants
Chandran added that his company had previously launched India's first indigenously developed combi oven in 6-, 12-, and 20-tray variants. "The demand for induction equipment is higher compared with electric. For instance, a certain quantity of water that takes about 15 minutes to boil on electric equipment will take just a couple of minutes on induction," he noted, emphasizing the efficiency benefits.
Industry-Wide Impact and Market Trends
P Lal Ahamed Khan, MD of Chennai-based PKR Equipments, reported that specific equipment like bratt pans for gravy preparation, mixers with a capacity of 100 litres, boiling pans, and single induction ranges are in high demand. "We have been getting continuous enquiries for the past three days, including from star-category hotels. Our potential clients, who were earlier contemplating placing orders, are now pushing for supply," he said.
The manufacturers' pavilion at the ongoing AAHAR international food and hospitality fair in Delhi has attracted considerable attention from the industry for induction products, further underscoring the trend.
According to TRA Research, the broader commercial kitchen equipment market in India, encompassing cooking, refrigeration, preparation, and holding equipment, is estimated to be around $8.5 billion, roughly Rs 72,000 crore. N Chandramouli, CEO of TRA Research, commented, "The current LPG shortage could act as a crucial trigger for a broader shift towards induction and electric cooking in institutional kitchens, especially for boiling, bulk cooking, and holding applications."
Alternative Solutions and Future Outlook
M S M Thangavelu, founder and president of the Coimbatore Kitchen Equipment Manufacturers Association and MD of Sabari Kitchen, observed that demand for firewood boilers has increased over the past two days. "It is installed with a chimney in the kitchen," he added, indicating a move towards more traditional methods as a temporary fix.
This sudden shift highlights the resilience and adaptability of India's hospitality sector. As businesses navigate the LPG shortage, the increased adoption of induction technology may lead to long-term changes in kitchen operations, promoting energy efficiency and sustainability.
The ongoing crisis serves as a reminder of the importance of diversifying energy sources in commercial settings. With manufacturers ramping up production and innovation, the industry is poised to transform its cooking practices, potentially reducing reliance on fossil fuels in the future.
