As cooking gas shortages and rising LPG prices begin to affect households across India, many families are increasingly turning to induction cooktops and electric cooking appliances as an alternative for daily cooking.

Induction stoves are becoming popular due to their energy efficiency, convenience and faster heating. Unlike traditional gas stoves, they operate using electromagnetic technology, which heats cookware directly without producing an open flame. While considered safe and efficient, experts say users must still follow proper precautions to ensure safe operation.

The shift toward induction cooking has grown rapidly in recent weeks as concerns about LPG supply disruptions linked to the ongoing conflict in West Asia have intensified. As per a report of the Economic Times, according to industry estimates, the demand for induction cooktops has surged dramatically across India. Sales that previously averaged around 1,000 to 2,000 units per month have reportedly jumped to nearly 1–2 lakh units per day during the LPG shortage.

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Demand surge causes stock shortages

The sudden spike in demand has created supply pressure across several markets. Traders in Delhi-NCR, a major manufacturing and distribution hub for induction cooktops, are now increasing production and coordinating with manufacturers to meet the rising demand.

Speaking to ANI, Sanjay Nagpal, President of the Central Radio and Electronic Merchant Association, said the industry has already begun scaling up output. He added, "Following the sudden surge in demand, a meeting was held with manufacturers, and it was decided to increase production. Factories are planning to run overtime so that production can be increased and supplies can reach different parts of the country on time."

Induction cooktop out of stock

The demand surge is also being felt strongly in eastern India. In Kolkata and the greater Kolkata region, several models of induction cooktops were reportedly out of stock on quick-commerce platforms like Blinkit, reflecting the sudden spike in consumer demand.

Local retailers are experiencing similar pressure. Gautam Pal, who runs a small electrical shop in Baruipur, said that demand in recent days has been a little bit unusually high. He shared, "People usually buy induction cooktops regularly, mostly bachelors who live in PGs, but in the last few days, ten to fifteen people have come to my small shop asking for induction."

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The rush to purchase induction cooktops highlights how many households are seeking quick alternatives to LPG amid supply concerns.

The shortage fears have emerged as global energy supply chains face disruptions linked to the ongoing conflict in West Asia. In response, the Union government has invoked the Essential Commodities Act to prioritise domestic LPG supply, ensuring higher allocations for households, hospitals and essential services, while restricting commercial distribution in some regions.

However, the Union Petroleum Ministry stated on Saturday that there is no immediate shortage of LPG, although the supply situation continues to be monitored due to the prevailing geopolitical tensions.