India
oi-Swastika Sruti
LPG Shortage Fears Trigger Panic Buying Of Induction Cooktops Across Indian Cities
The ongoing conflict involving Iran and rising tensions in the Middle East are beginning to affect daily life in India.
Concerns over LPG supply disruptions due to Middle East tensions have triggered panic buying of induction cooktops and utensils across Indian cities like Delhi and Bengaluru, causing stockouts and higher black market LPG prices despite government assurances of supply stability.
Concerns over disruptions in global oil and gas supplies have led to anxiety among consumers, triggering panic buying of LPG cylinders and electric cooking alternatives across major cities.
In many areas, induction cooktops and compatible utensils have gone out of stock, as households look for backup options in case LPG supplies become limited.
Rising Global Tensions Impact Energy Supply
The war in the Middle East has created uncertainty in global energy markets. As oil and natural gas supply chains face disruptions, several countries are experiencing pressure on fuel availability and prices.
India has also felt the ripple effects. Reports of LPG shortages and rising prices have created concern among households that depend heavily on cooking gas for daily meals.
However, the government has reassured citizens that the overall supply situation remains under control.
Government Assures Public Of Stable Supply
The Indian government has said that there is no major fuel crisis in the country and that domestic production has increased to support supply.
Authorities have also invoked provisions under the Essential Commodities Act to ensure that LPG supplies are protected and distributed responsibly.
Despite these assurances, rising gas prices and delays in LPG refill bookings have made many households anxious about future availability.
Induction Cooktops Sold Out In Many Areas
Due to these concerns, many families have started purchasing induction cooktops as an alternative cooking option.
Checks on quick-commerce platforms such as Blinkit and Swiggy Instamart show that induction cooktops are already out of stock in several neighbourhoods across major cities.
Some areas reporting shortages include:
- Delhi – Greater Kailash and Kalkaji
- Mumbai – Powai and Juhu
- Bengaluru – MG Road, Ashok Nagar, SG Palya and CV Raman Nagar
- Kolkata – Behala
- Chennai – Kodambakkam
Some neighbourhoods, such as Whitefield and Bellandur in Bengaluru and Kakkanad in Kochi, still have limited stock available.
Demand For Induction Utensils Also Rising
The surge in demand is not limited to induction stoves. Induction-compatible utensils, such as special pots and pans designed for electric cooktops, are also selling quickly.
Since traditional cookware cannot always be used on induction stoves, consumers are buying these utensils along with the cooktops to prepare for possible cooking gas shortages.
This sudden demand has caused supply shortages on both online platforms and in local markets.
Black Market LPG Prices Rising
The panic buying has also led to a sharp rise in LPG prices in the black market.
In cities such as Delhi and Noida, reports suggest that LPG cylinders are being sold for ₹2,000 to ₹3,000, far above their usual prices.
Many small food vendors rely on unofficial LPG supplies because commercial gas cylinders are more expensive. As the cost of gas increases, several street food sellers have raised prices of items like samosas, rotis and snacks by up to 50 percent.
Retail Stores Witness Record Sales
Physical retail stores are also seeing an unusual surge in demand for induction cooktops.
A shop owner in Kalkaji, South Delhi, said his store sold more than 50 induction units in a single day, leaving him with limited stock.
Similarly, a retailer in Juhu, Mumbai, reported selling around 70 units per day, with cheaper models already sold out as customers rush to secure backup cooking options.
Many families are buying one or two cooktops at a time to prepare for possible supply disruptions.
Impact On Restaurants And PG Kitchens
The LPG shortage concerns are also affecting restaurants and shared accommodations.
In cities like Bengaluru and Chennai, eateries have reported delays in receiving LPG cylinders. Some kitchens are switching to alternative cooking methods such as electric stoves and coal-based tandoors.
PG accommodations in Bengaluru have even started restricting meal options, avoiding dishes like dosa, poori and chapati that require more gas to prepare.
Uncertainty Continues As Conflict Persists
Energy experts warn that if the conflict involving Iran continues for a long time, global fuel prices could rise further, putting additional pressure on supply chains.
For now, many Indian households are trying to use LPG carefully while also securing backup options like induction cooktops.
Even though the government has assured stable supplies, the recent surge in purchases shows that public concern about cooking gas availability remains high.
