Hyderabad Residents Turn to Induction Stoves Amid LPG Booking Concerns
HYDERABAD: Panic over domestic LPG cylinder bookings has triggered a surge in demand for induction stoves and other electric cooking appliances across Hyderabad in the past 48 hours.
Electronics retailers in the city reported unusually high footfall as residents searched for alternatives to LPG. Many consumers rushed to stores amid concerns about cylinder availability.
“Yes, a lot of people are buying induction stoves. Our store has reported strong sales since yesterday. This kind of demand was not seen earlier. Usually, sales are slow,” a representative of an electronics agency in Hyderabad said.
Sales staff at several outlets said stocks of induction stoves and related appliances are depleting quickly. Customers are rushing to buy them as a precaution.
Online platforms face stock shortages
The surge is also visible on digital platforms. Quick-commerce service Blinkit currently lists induction stoves as out of stock in several areas. Delivery timelines on major e-commerce sites have also increased due to heavy demand.
Financial services firm Motilal Oswal Financial Services said retailers and e-commerce platforms are witnessing an unprecedented rise in demand for induction stoves and other electric cooking appliances. Households are looking for alternatives to LPG.
According to the firm, sales of induction stoves on Amazon increased 20–30 times within a few days. Demand for rice cookers and electric pressure cookers rose fourfold. Sales of air fryers and multi-use kettles also doubled.
Quick-commerce platforms such as Blinkit, Zepto and Swiggy Instamart are also facing stock shortages in several major cities.
The sudden demand has affected prices and availability of compatible cookware. Induction cooking requires stainless steel, triply or magnetic-base utensils.
Government says household LPG supply is stable
Despite the panic buying, officials from the energy sector said the shortage currently affects only the commercial segment.
They clarified that there is no shortage of domestic LPG cylinders for households. Officials said booking difficulties and website crashes were caused by panic bookings. Many consumers tried to refill cylinders earlier than required.
Oil marketing companies, including Indian Oil Corporation and Bharat Petroleum, said domestic LPG supply remains their top priority.
Officials added that the hospitality sector is facing shortages of 19-kg commercial cylinders due to global import disruptions. However, sufficient reserves are available to ensure uninterrupted supply to households.
