Winning Bizness Desk
Mumbai.Concerns over LPG availability across India have triggered a sudden surge in demand for induction cooktops on major e-commerce platforms. With several cities reporting difficulty in getting LPG cylinders, many households are buying induction stoves as a backup cooking option. The sharp spike in purchases has pushed several models out of stock across online retail platforms.
Online marketplaces such as Amazon, Flipkart and Blinkit are witnessing a sharp decline in available induction cooktop inventory as demand surges. On Blinkit, nearly all models are currently listed as out of stock, while Amazon and Flipkart are showing limited availability with only a few brands still in stock.
Rising Middle East tensions affecting LPG supply fears
The sudden rise in demand is largely linked to growing concerns over LPG availability amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, which could affect global gas supply chains. Reports of delays in cylinder availability in some Indian cities have prompted households to secure alternative cooking arrangements.
Several consumers, particularly in large urban centres, have begun purchasing electric cooking appliances to avoid disruptions in daily kitchen routines.
Key developments reported by e-commerce platforms include:
- Amazon has reported nearly 30 times increase in induction cooktop sales
- Flipkart has recorded around four times rise in orders
- Blinkit listings show most models currently unavailable
- Electric kettles and rice cookers are also witnessing strong demand
Prices climb as demand for induction cooktops jumps
The sharp spike in demand has also started pushing up prices of induction cooktops across brands. Entry-level induction models in India usually start from around ₹1,300 to ₹2,000. Mid-range products are generally priced between ₹2,000 and ₹3,500, while premium models range from ₹3,500 to above ₹4,500.
Following the surge in purchases, prices of several models have reportedly increased by nearly 10 to 20 percent. Major metropolitan markets such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai and Kolkata are witnessing the fastest rise in induction cooktop sales.
Retail chains confirm spike in kitchen appliance demand
Retailers and appliance manufacturers say the surge is visible both online and offline. Electronics retailer Croma has said demand for induction cooktops has nearly tripled over the past few days.
StoveKraft, a leading kitchen appliance manufacturer, has also reported that its weekly induction cooktop sales on e-commerce platforms have jumped nearly four times in recent days.
Other electric cooking appliances seeing demand growth include:
- Electric kettles
- Rice cookers
- Portable cooking devices
Experts warn of possible pressure on power demand
Energy experts note that if a large number of households shift to electricity-based cooking, it could raise overall power consumption across the country. According to the National Power Portal, India currently consumes around 2 lakh megawatts of electricity daily and supply remains stable for now.
Coal imports play a significant role in power generation, with about 76 percent of imported coal used by thermal power plants. Experts warn that widespread adoption of electric cooking could eventually add pressure on the power grid.
Government says energy supply situation remains stable
The government has urged citizens not to panic over reports of LPG shortages. Officials maintain that the country’s energy supply remains secure and domestic LPG production has been increased to meet demand.
Authorities have said LPG supply for households is currently normal, and cylinders are being delivered within roughly two and a half days after booking in most regions. However, the sudden spike in induction cooktop demand highlights growing consumer caution as households prepare for possible fuel supply disruptions.
