AC-type efficiency star ratings now for LPG stoves

In a move to build greener kitchens, the Centre on Tuesday mandated energy efficiency standards for LPG stoves along similar lines as applicable to electrical appliances such as air conditioners.

The Manohar Lal Khattar-led Ministry of Power notified new mandatory energy consumption standards for domestic LPG stoves, effective January 1, 2026. The order, issued under the Energy Conservation Act, 2001, was published in the government gazette as part of ongoing efforts to improve household energy efficiency.

The notification says that all domestic LPG stoves used in India, even if imported, must comply with the thermal efficiency standards defined in Indian Standard (IS) 4246 (2002). The orders have been issued in consultation with the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) and mandate star labelling to reflect thermal efficiency.

The new labelling scheme introduces star ratings ranging from 1 to 5 stars, depending on the thermal efficiency of the LPG stove. The rating chart lays down the following standards--stoves with 1 Star must have efficiency ≥68% and < 70%; 2 Stars: ≥70% and < 72%; 3 Stars: ≥72% and < 74%; 4 Stars: ≥74% and < 76% and 5 Stars: ≥76%.

The ratings will be displayed through an official label on each appliance, allowing customers to easily compare the energy performance of different stove models. The labelling period will be valid from January 1, 2026, to December 31, 2028, after which it will be reviewed every two years or earlier, if necessary.

For greener kitchens

• Initiative expected to boost energy conservation in households by encouraging the adoption of efficient cooking appliances
• Aligns with India’s broader energy efficiency and climate goals, aiming to reduce fuel consumption and promote sustainable living
• Labelling scheme to empower consumers and manufacturers to adopt better technologies in stove production

The scheme makes it mandatory for all manufacturers and importers of LPG stoves to register with the BEE through its online standards and labelling portal. Only stoves that run exclusively on LPG (not on any other gas types) and carry a valid BIS certification will be eligible for labelling.

The manufacturers must also submit test reports for three samples of each stove model, with testing carried out only by laboratories accredited by the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL), Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR), International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC) and Asia Pacific Accreditation Cooperation Incorporated (APAC).

The lowest performing burner of a stove model will determine its final star rating to ensure stringent evaluation. To maintain the credibility of the star rating scheme, the notification clarifies that no negative tolerance will be allowed. All tested products must meet the minimum thermal efficiency thresholds for their corresponding star level.