With LPG supply tight, households weigh induction cooktops as alternative for cooking

Concerns over cooking gas availability have pushed many households to reconsider how they cook their daily meals. With LPG supplies tightening due to disruptions linked to the conflict in West Asia, consumers are increasingly looking at electric alternatives such as induction cooktops.

India relies heavily on imported LPG, with a significant share of supplies coming from the Middle East. Shipping disruptions and rising energy prices have already pushed up cylinder prices and created supply concerns in several cities, prompting the government to take emergency measures to stabilise the situation.

The shortage has also affected commercial kitchens. Restaurants and food vendors in some regions have been forced to trim menus or switch to electric equipment as LPG supplies become uncertain.

Against this backdrop, many households are comparing the cost of cooking with LPG versus induction stoves. Induction cooking uses electromagnetic energy to heat the vessel directly, making it more energy-efficient than traditional gas stoves, where a large share of heat escapes into the surrounding air.

However, whether induction cooking is cheaper depends largely on electricity tariffs. In places where electricity is relatively inexpensive and power supply is reliable, induction cooktops can be more economical over time. By contrast, in areas with higher electricity prices or frequent outages, LPG may still remain the more practical option.

Cooking habits also play a role. Gas stoves offer flexibility for traditional cooking techniques such as roasting rotis over open flame or tempering spices, while induction cooktops provide faster heating, precise temperature control and improved safety due to the absence of an open flame.

The country imports a significant portion of the fuel it consumes, meaning global disruptions can quickly affect domestic supply and prices.

As energy markets remain volatile, many households may adopt a hybrid approach, using LPG for certain cooking methods while relying on induction cooktops for everyday tasks that require faster and more efficient heating.