LPG shortage triggers big rush for induction heaters in Himachal

A sudden shortage of commercial LPG in the market, triggered by the prolonged crisis in the Middle East, has sparked panic buying of induction heaters and other electric cooking appliances across several markets. Traders report a sharp surge in enquiries as households, restaurants and hotels scramble to secure alternatives to conventional gas-based cooking.

Shopkeepers say the demand has risen so rapidly that stocks which had been lying idle in warehouses since the Diwali season are now quickly finding their way into the market. With uncertainty looming over the supply of commercial LPG cylinders, consumers are increasingly turning to induction heaters, electrical fryers and other electric cooking options to keep their kitchens running.

The hospitality industry has been among the most affected by the shortage, with hotels and restaurants exploring immediate alternatives to ensure uninterrupted services during the upcoming tourist season.

“Induction heaters and alternatives like frying on electrical fryers as well as tandoor cooking have picked up significantly,” said Rocky Chimni, vice-president of the Kasauli Residents and Hoteliers Association. Chimni recently invested nearly Rs 50,000 in new appliances to cope with the situation.

He said attempts to procure equipment through online platforms had failed as e-commerce sites were unable to meet the sudden spike in demand. Even their regular suppliers were struggling to provide adequate stocks.

“We usually refill our LPG cylinders every other day, but for the last two days the availability of commercial LPG has been severely hit, forcing us to explore other options,” Chimni said. “This becomes even more critical as the tourist season is approaching and we already have bookings for weddings.”

However, industry insiders caution that the sudden shift to electric cooking may face practical challenges in the long run. Power tariffs remain high and electricity outages during peak summer months could affect the viability of large-scale commercial cooking on induction-based appliances.

Interestingly, induction heaters had once been a thriving market segment before high electricity tariffs led consumers to shift towards LPG. With the current gas shortage, the demand trend appears to have reversed — though manufacturers remain uncertain about how long the surge will last.