Prayagraj: Amid the LPG crisis, retailers across the city are experiencing a surge in sale of electrical kitchen appliances like induction cookers, especially in Chowk, Shahganj and Katra markets, reports Kapil Dixit. Trader Ravi Kumar said rise in sale of induction cookers right after the crisis began. “Customers are panicking over non-availability of cylinders and looking for alternatives,” he said, adding, “On Saturday and Sunday, we saw 60% spurt in sales. Usually, we sell two or three induction cookers daily but now it has jumped to 20 to 25 . Unable to get their small cylinders refilled, students preparing for competitive exams comprise majority of customers of induction cookers.”Retailers are also selling induction-compatible utensils. Other electric cooking equipment, like electric kettles, cookers and hot plates are also seeing an uptick in sales.A trader in Chowk said, “After the LPG crisis, people started thronging stores to buy induction cooker and compatible utensils. Sale of electrical kitchen appliances is not restricted to induction cookers. Traders are selling items like electric kettles, too and even new microwave ovens to keep alternative cooking options ready.”Director of a kitchen appliances store in old city, Abhishek, said, “We are seeing over 30 to 40% spurt in induction cooker sales. Once stock is exhausted, we will replenish it as demand is soaring.”Lukerganj resident Anjali said, “I bought an induction cooker on Sunday as gap between booking and delivery of LPG cylinder has grown. If the crisis persists, price may go up too.”A trader at Shahganj market said, “Many people have been buying induction cookers, electrical kettles and electric rice cookers as they are uncertain about availability of LPG over the next few days,” .In Shahganj, Sangam city’s biggest market for electrical goods and appliances, sale of electrical cooking appliances has been rising. “There was a spurt of over 30% on Saturday and Sunday. If the situation doesn’t improve, sales might surge further. We have enough stock to cater to the demand,” said a retailer.
