Induction cooktops are quickly vanishing from online platforms as Indian households seek alternatives to cooking gas due to worries about LPG supply disruptions linked to the West Asia conflict. Major quick-commerce platforms like Blinkit, Zepto, Swiggy Instamart, and BigBasket are displaying “Unavailable” and “Sold out” labels for many induction cooktops in various cities. These platforms, known for fast deliveries, are experiencing a sudden uptick in the demand for electric cooking appliances as people explore options beyond LPG cylinders.
Large e-commerce players such as Amazon and Flipkart are also witnessing a significant surge in orders. Amazon India reported that sales of induction cooktops have soared more than 30 times in the past two days. Additionally, rice cookers and electric pressure cookers are experiencing nearly four times the usual demand, while air fryers and multi-use kettles are seeing approximately double their normal sales volume.
Flipkart has also noted a substantial increase in demand, with induction cooktop sales quadrupling over the last four to five days compared to the preceding weeks. The company highlighted that demand spikes are particularly pronounced in regions like Delhi, Kolkata, and parts of Uttar Pradesh, where consumers are seeking alternatives amidst concerns of potential price fluctuations and supply shortages.
The escalating demand underscores the mounting apprehension among households and small businesses regarding cooking gas availability. The conflict in West Asia has heightened worries about disruptions in liquefied petroleum gas and other energy supplies. Oil marketing companies have reportedly instructed LPG distributors to prioritize deliveries for essential institutions like hospitals and educational facilities.
Simultaneously, the government has ramped up domestic LPG production by approximately 25% and is channeling the entire output towards residential consumers to ensure a continuous supply of cooking gas amid the evolving West Asia situation. The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas disclosed that on March 8, an order was issued directing refineries and petrochemical complexes to maximize LPG production.
