Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Mar 11: Panic buying of induction cooktops and compatible utensils has surged across major Indian cities as households scramble for alternatives amid fears of an LPG shortage triggered by the ongoing conflict involving Iran and rising energy disruptions in the Middle East.
Quick commerce platforms such as Blinkit and Swiggy Instamart have reported that induction cooktops are out of stock in several neighbourhoods in cities including Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai and Kolkata.
India is currently facing anxiety over cooking gas availability after global supply disruptions pushed fuel prices higher. Reports of refill delays and soaring black-market prices have further intensified public concern.
The government has sought to reassure citizens that there is no major crisis and that domestic production has increased.
Authorities have also invoked the Essential Commodities Act to ensure adequate cooking gas supply across the country.
Despite the assurances, demand for electric alternatives has skyrocketed. Several localities have reported shortages of induction hobs on quick commerce platforms. In Bengaluru, areas such as MG Road, Ashok Nagar, SG Palya and CV Raman Nagar showed no availability of induction cooktops. In Mumbai, Powai was completely sold out while Juhu reported limited stock.
Similarly, in Delhi, neighbourhoods including Greater Kailash I and II and Kalkaji showed out-of-stock status, while supplies were also exhausted in parts of Kolkata’s Behala and Chennai’s Kodambakkam. Some areas such as Whitefield and Bellandur in Bengaluru and Kakkanad near Kochi still had limited stock available.
The surge in demand has also extended to induction-compatible utensils such as pots and pans designed for electric stoves. These items are also running out of stock in several locations as families rush to secure alternative cooking options.
The situation has also pushed black-market LPG prices sharply higher. In parts of Delhi and Noida, cooking gas cylinders are reportedly being sold for between ?2,000 and ?3,000, compared to significantly lower regulated prices.
Retailers say demand has been unprecedented. A store owner in South Delhi’s Kalkaji said his shop sold more than 50 induction cooktops in a single day and was already running low on stock. In Mumbai’s Juhu, a retailer said lower-cost models had sold out quickly and sales had surged to around 70 units per day as customers purchased cooktops as a precaution.
The shortage has begun affecting small businesses and food vendors as well. Many street food sellers who rely on LPG cylinders have increased the prices of items such as samosas, rotis and other snacks by up to 50 per cent due to rising fuel costs.
In cities such as Bengaluru and Chennai, eateries are struggling to secure commercial LPG cylinders, with some facing delays of several days. Several paying guest accommodations in Bengaluru have reportedly begun restricting meal options and limiting gas-intensive dishes such as dosa, poori and chapati.
Experts warn that if the Middle East conflict continues to disrupt energy supplies, cooking gas prices could rise further, placing additional pressure on households and businesses across India.