Customers look for induction cooktops in a store at Lohar chawl near Crawford Market. PIC/ASHISH RAJE
A woman carefully inspects an induction cooktop at a shop in Lohar Chawl. With LPG cylinders becoming scarce and delivery delays stretching, families are investing in electric cooktops to ensure they can cook daily meals without interruption
While stores continue to have stocks, induction cooktops are rapidly disappearing from online platforms as households across India rush to find alternatives to cooking gas amid growing concerns about LPG supply disruptions linked to the ongoing conflict in West Asia
The surge in demand reflects growing anxiety among households and small businesses about the availability of cooking gas
While the government has assured that there is no shortage of LPG cylinders in India, Mumbaikars are opting for induction cooktops as the war in West Asia escalates
Meanwhile, stocks of kitchen appliances makers also continued to rally on Thursday, driven by increase in demand amid disruption in the supply of commercial LPG cylinders due to the West Asia crisis
A policewoman keeps an eye on the bustling crowd at Dadar market as customers rush to buy affordable electric alternatives, unwilling to risk going without a functional kitchen amid cylinder shortages
Despite a 25 per cent increase in domestic production, LPG cylinder supply remains constrained. The government is prioritising LPG for domestic cooking and essential sectors, like hospitals, while restricting supply to non-essential commercial enterprises, including restaurants.
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