Hyderabad: Amid the ongoing shortage of commercial LPG cylinders, electronic appliance stores across the city are witnessing a surge in demand for alternative cooking appliances. Electric rice cookers and instant pots have emerged as the most sought-after products as small eateries, hostelliers and bachelors are looking for ways to manage daily cooking without relying on gas.Retailers say the spike in demand is largely driven by students staying in hostels and bachelors living alone. Several hostels have reportedly issued notices saying that only basic meals will be provided for the time being and self-cooking facilities will not be allowed due to the LPG shortage. As a result, many students are buying small electric appliances to prepare simple meals in their rooms.“Over the past few days, we have seen a sharp rise in customers asking for electric rice cookers and instant pots,” said Suresh Rachamalla, owner of an electronics store in Ameerpet. “Most of them are students who say their hostels restricted cooking, so they are buying these appliances to manage basic food like rice, noodles or eggs,” he added.Bachelors staying in rented rooms, who usually depend on mess services, are also turning to electric appliances as a practical option. Many customers are choosing compact devices that can cook multiple dishes while using limited electricity.Restaurants and small eateries are also adjusting to the situation. Instead of small household appliances, many are buying larger equipment to keep their kitchens running.“Restaurants are opting for bigger appliances like 20-litre rice cookers and multi-compartment induction stoves so they can continue cooking in bulk without depending entirely on gas,” said Rup Rajat, who runs an electronics store in Srinagar Colony.The sudden demand has even led to temporary shortages of some popular models. Shop owners say they have already placed fresh orders to restock.“If the demand continues for a few more days, some appliances may go out of stock,” said Advit Y, a retailer from Masab Tank. “We have already placed additional orders to meet the rush,” he added.
