Gurgaon: Panic about LPG shortage has triggered an unprecedented spike in induction cooktop sales in Gurgaon, with more than four lakh units sold in just 10 days, traders said.According to traders, nearly 70% of electric induction cooktops sold in the last 10 days are not high-end brands but local makes. “There is a mismatch between demand and supply of branded electric induction,” said a shopkeeper.Retailers said discounts disappeared within days due to soaring demand, and most outlets are now accepting advance bookings with waiting periods of up to five days.LPG disruption, fuelled by supply constraints and delayed cylinder deliveries, has pushed households to shift rapidly to electric alternatives. This switch has also contributed to a noticeable rise in local electricity consumption. Retailers said the surge is the highest seen in recent years, reflecting growing public anxiety over the ongoing gas crisis.“We have not seen such a spike in demand for these appliances in years,” said Dinesh Sharma, a shop owner in Sadar Bazaar. Discounts that once ranged between 30–50% have vanished, with most cooktops now selling at full marked price due to overwhelming demand.Many stores are now offering advance bookings, accepting token money and promising delivery in three to five days as soon as fresh stock arrives. Buyers are undeterred by higher prices, reflecting growing anxiety over traditional cooking fuel shortages. “People are ready to make advance payment and give a token amount to pre-book the supply,” said Surender Yadav, who runs a store in Sector 14.Rachita Rokar, a resident of Sector 90, said that electric induction cooktops of major brands are out of stock on e-platforms, while local brands are available at higher prices. “Earlier, discounts were available on products from all companies, and now they are being sold at the MRP,” said Rokar.Even those who have LPG have started using electric cookware. “The availability of LPG is uncertain. We have shifted some of the cooking to electric equipment and increased the use of ovens and microwaves,” said Pooja Bist, a resident of Sector 84.For many families, induction cooktops offer a cost-effective and safe alternative to LPG cylinders, particularly where gas bookings have become unpredictable. Small eateries and cloud kitchens, however, face difficulties adapting, as high-volume or specialty cooking often still depends on gas. Rising black-market LPG prices—reportedly reaching up to Rs 4,000 per cylinder in some areas—have amplified the shift towards electric options.
