Demand for electric cooktops surges as gas supply crisis deepens
March 14, 2026: The shortage of Liquefied Petroleum Gas cylinders in India, reportedly linked to disruptions caused by the ongoing conflict in Middle East, is pushing many households to look for alternative cooking options. In New Delhi, particularly at Old Lajpat Rai Market, the demand for induction cooktops and electric stoves has surged sharply as consumers seek backup solutions amid uncertainty over gas availability.
Shopkeepers say the demand for induction cookers has increased by nearly 80 percent in the past few days. Earlier, stores would sell only one or two units a day, but now daily sales have jumped to around 30–36 units. The sudden spike has also affected online shopping platforms, where several induction cooktops have reportedly gone out of stock as more people rush to purchase them.
The shortage has also led to long queues outside gas agencies in multiple cities. In Farrukhabad, a 76-year-old man reportedly died after suffering a heart attack while waiting in line for a cylinder. Restaurants are also facing difficulties; some eateries in Mumbai have started using wood and coal stoves due to lack of LPG supplies, while a South Indian food outlet has reportedly reduced its menu to a few basic dishes such as rice, dal and sambar.