Long queues have been reported outside LPG distribution centres across several parts of the country, both in urban and rural areas, due to the shortage of LPG supply amid the ongoing conflict between US-Israel and Iran. While the government has acknowledged supply disruptions, it has maintained that there is no nationwide LPG shortage.
The situation has particularly affected hotels, hostels and community kitchens that rely heavily on LPG cylinders. As a result, some households and institutions are exploring alternatives such as electric cooking to manage daily needs.
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Achal Sridharan, founder of CovaiCare Retirement Communities in Coimbatore, said the shift to electric cooking may become unavoidable if supply issues persist. “If the situation worsens, we may have no option but to switch to electric cooking. This is about survival, not profit. Costs may increase slightly, but we will have to manage,” he said.
How induction stoves work
One of the most commonly used electric cooking appliances is the induction stove. The device uses a glass surface with a copper coil beneath it. When alternating electric current flows through the coil, it creates a changing magnetic field. When a compatible metal utensil is placed on the surface, electric currents are generated within the vessel itself, producing heat directly in the cookware rather than on the stovetop.
Traditional gas stoves lose a significant portion of heat during cooking. Experts estimate that about 60 per cent of the heat from an LPG flame escapes into the surrounding air, meaning only around 40 per cent of the energy paid for is actually used for cooking.
In cities such as Delhi, a standard 14.2-kg LPG cylinder currently costs about Rs 913 without subsidy. By contrast, an induction stove can be far more energy-efficient because it heats the vessel directly through magnetism.
Estimates suggest that producing the same usable heat as one LPG cylinder would require roughly 78 units of electricity on an induction cooktop. At an electricity rate of Rs 10 per unit, the total cost would come to around Rs 780, potentially saving households about Rs 123 per cylinder. In states like Tamil Nadu, where the first 100 units of electricity are free for households, the savings could be even higher.
Despite lower running costs, switching to induction cooking involves an initial investment. Induction stoves typically cost between Rs 2,000 and Rs 4,000, and users must purchase compatible utensils such as stainless steel or cast-iron cookware with flat bottoms.
Higher electricity usage can also push households into higher tariff slabs, increasing overall power bills. However, studies suggest that many households recover the cost of the stove and utensils within a year due to reduced daily cooking expenses.
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LPG still preferred for commercial use
For commercial kitchens, LPG continues to remain the preferred option. Electric cooking equipment can cost two to three times more than LPG-based appliances, and businesses must also ensure reliable electricity supply and backup power systems.
Given these practical challenges, many establishments continue to rely on LPG cylinders despite the recent supply disruptions.