Concerns over potential disruption in liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) supply linked to the ongoing war in West Asia are influencing consumer behaviour in India, with a sharp increase in demand for electric kitchen appliances.
Retail companies and appliance manufacturers report a surge in sales of electric cooking devices, particularly induction cooktops and electric kettles, as consumers respond to uncertainty surrounding LPG availability.
According to Infinity Retail Limited, the Tata Group retail company that operates Croma, demand for induction cooktops has increased nearly threefold over the past few days. Stove Kraft Limited, which manufactures the ‘Pigeon’ brand, reported that its average weekly online sales have risen up to four times during the same period.
Shibashish Roy, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of the company, said demand for electric stoves has increased suddenly in recent days, resulting in a notable rise in the company’s average daily sales rate.
Croma also reported a nearly threefold increase in induction cooktop sales in recent days. Roy said the sudden surge has pushed average daily sales rates well above normal levels. He added that several customers are purchasing more than one cooktop at a time, indicating that consumers are preparing in advance in view of a possible supply disruption.
Demand for electric kettles has also risen to roughly twice the normal level. Retail companies are attempting to maintain adequate availability of these products across both online platforms and physical stores.
E-commerce platforms have recorded similar trends. According to industry sources, online sales of induction cooktops have seen exceptional growth over the past few days, with sales on some platforms increasing several times compared with normal days.
Demand is also rising for appliances such as rice cookers, electric pressure cookers, air fryers, and electric kettles.
In metropolitan areas including Delhi-NCR, Mumbai, and Bengaluru, consumers are increasingly placing online orders for these products, with deliveries in several locations taking place within minutes. Kitchen appliance manufacturers said online sales have continued to increase since tensions escalated in West Asia. Some brands reported that their average weekly sales have multiplied several times.
The potential disruption in LPG supply is affecting not only household consumers but also businesses in the food service sector, including hotels, restaurants, and street food vendors.
Amid concerns about irregular supply of commercial LPG cylinders, several restaurants have begun using alternatives such as induction cooktops, microwave ovens, and electric cooking systems. Some smaller businesses are also considering traditional options such as wood-fired stoves or solar-powered equipment.
Restaurant operators in several cities, including Delhi, said they currently have only one or two days of LPG stock remaining. If supply disruptions continue, they may have to temporarily suspend operations, which could affect business activity as well as employee wages and employment.
