Gas crunch fuels induction rush

Amid the war in Iran and the crisis in the Middle East, there is a global shortage in the supply of oil and natural gas. India is also grappling with an LPG crisis that has sent prices soaring and sparked panic buying of both gas cylinders and induction cooktops as an alternative.

- MPOST BUREAU

The demand for electric cooktops is such that quick commerce options have run out of induction hobs in many neighbourhoods across Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, and Kolkata. Even brick and mortar stores are facing a shortage of induction cooktops.

The government on Wednesday reassured the public, saying there was no major crisis and domestic production had increased. However, rising gas and fuel prices, and the extended hiatus in refill booking caused anxiety among consumers.

A shortage in LPG cylinders across India has triggered a sharp surge in demand for induction cooktops. Quick commerce platforms and retailers in several neighbourhoods across Mumbai, Delhi and Bengaluru are running out of stock.

Retailers report selling 50 to 70 units of induction stoves a day amid panic-buying.

From induction cooktops and microwaves to firewood and solar options, restaurants, street food vendors and catering businesses across the country are scrambling for alternatives as a shortage of commercial LPG cylinders begins to disrupt kitchens amid the widening conflict in West Asia.

With the government prioritising domestic cooking gas supply to households as the war disrupts global fuel lifelines, businesses dependent on commercial LPG -- from small eateries to high-end restaurants -- are watching the situation anxiously, with some even staring at possible closure in the days to come.

In the national Capital Delhi, irregular LPG supply has gripped kitchens across the city and many restaurants are left with stock for a day or two, fearing temporary closure and concerns over staff wages. Industry representatives say many eateries in the capital are trying to manage the situation through adjustments.