Amid the ongoing conflict in Iran and growing tensions in the Middle East, concerns over global oil and natural gas supply have begun affecting several countries, including India. Reports of an LPG shortage have triggered panic buying of cooking gas cylinders and induction cooktops, as many households look for alternatives.
The demand for electric cooktops has risen sharply in major cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, and Kolkata. Many quick-commerce platforms have run out of induction cooktops in several neighbourhoods, while physical retail stores are also reporting shortages.
The government, however, has assured the public that there is no major supply crisis and said domestic production of LPG has increased. Despite these assurances, rising gas prices and delays in refill bookings have created anxiety among consumers.
To ensure the availability of cooking gas, the government has invoked the Essential Commodities Act. Still, concerns among consumers have led to a surge in demand for electric alternatives.
A check on quick-commerce apps such as Blinkit and Swiggy Instamart showed that induction cooktops were unavailable in several localities. In Bengaluru, areas like MG Road, Ashok Nagar, SG Palya and CV Raman Nagar reported no stock. In Mumbai, Powai was sold out while Juhu had limited supply. Similar shortages were seen in Delhi’s Greater Kailash and Kalkaji. In Kolkata’s Behala and Chennai’s Kodambakkam, stocks were also exhausted.
However, some areas such as Bengaluru’s Whitefield and Bellandur, and Kochi’s Kakkanad suburb still had limited stock available.
Demand has also surged for induction-compatible utensils such as pots and pans used with electric stoves. Many online platforms reported that these items were also running out of stock in several locations.
The rush to buy alternatives reflects growing concerns among households as gas cylinder prices continue to rise. In some cases, LPG cylinders are reportedly being sold on the black market for between Rs 2,000 and Rs 3,000 in parts of Delhi and Noida.
The situation has also affected small food vendors, many of whom rely on LPG cylinders. Some have reportedly increased prices of items such as samosas, rotis and other street food by up to 50 percent.
Retailers are also witnessing a sharp rise in demand. A shop owner in South Delhi’s Kalkaji said he sold more than 50 induction cooktops in a single day and was already running low on stock. A retailer in Mumbai’s Juhu reported similar demand, saying customers were buying one or two cooktops as a backup.
Restaurants and eateries in cities like Bengaluru and Chennai are also struggling with delays in receiving commercial LPG cylinders. Some paying guest accommodations in Bengaluru have started limiting gas-heavy dishes such as dosa, poori and chapati due to the shortage.
Experts warn that if the conflict in Iran continues for a prolonged period, disruptions in energy supply could push prices higher and further strain availability. In the meantime, many households are trying to conserve gas while turning to electric cooking options, which are now becoming increasingly difficult to find.