LPG crisis sparks surge in induction heater sales in Jamshedpur

Mail News Service

Jamshedpur, March 12: The ongoing LPG supply crisis has begun to reshape kitchen habits in Jamshedpur, triggering a sudden spike in the demand for induction heaters and cooktops across the city. Electronics stores, utensil shops and repair centres are witnessing a rush of customers as households scramble for alternative cooking options amid uncertainty over gas cylinder availability.

Retailers say the demand has surged both in the offline market and on e-commerce platforms.

Several popular online marketplaces have already reported induction cooktops going “out of stock” due to the unprecedented rush by customers seeking electric alternatives.
The trend, which began in metro cities, is now clearly visible in industrial towns like Jamshedpur as well.

Sharp Rise in Offline Sales Across City Markets

Electronics markets in Sakchi, Bistupur and Adityapur are witnessing brisk sales of induction heaters. Shop owners say the sudden rush has taken them by surprise, with many customers purchasing the appliance as a backup in case the LPG shortage worsens.
Rakesh Agarwal, who runs an electronics shop in Sakchi, said sales have multiplied within days.

“Normally we sell three to four induction heaters in a week. Since the LPG crisis began, we are selling 10 to 12 units a day. Many people are buying them as a precaution because they are unsure about gas cylinder availability,” he said.

Another electronics dealer in Bistupur said even older stock that had been lying unsold for months has suddenly disappeared from shelves.

“People who earlier preferred LPG are now shifting to induction heaters. Some customers are buying two units — one for daily use and another as backup. Our stocks are running out faster than expected,” said the retailer.
Nationally too, retailers and e-commerce platforms have reported a dramatic surge in sales of induction cooktops as households look for alternatives to LPG-based cooking.

Online Platforms Witness Stock Shortages

The sudden surge in demand is also reflected on e-commerce platforms. Many models of induction cooktops on major platforms like Amazon, Flipkart and quick-commerce apps have already been marked as “out of stock” in several areas.
Industry data suggests that some online platforms have recorded multiple-fold increases in sales within a matter of days as consumers rush to secure alternative cooking appliances.
Local residents in Jamshedpur say they too encountered stock shortages while trying to buy induction heaters online.

Repair Shops See Sudden Rush

Interestingly, the LPG crisis has also revived the business of small appliance repair shops.
Technicians in areas such as Mango and Kadma say residents are bringing their old induction heaters for servicing so they can resume using them.
A repair technician in Sakchi said the number of repair requests has doubled in recent days.
“Many families had induction heaters lying unused for years. Now they are bringing them for repair and servicing. We are getting 8–10 induction cookers every day for fixing,” he said.

Homemakers Turn to Electric Cooking

For many households, induction heaters have become a temporary lifeline amid uncertainty surrounding gas supply.
Sunita Sharma, a homemaker from Kadma, said the situation forced her to reconsider her cooking arrangements.
“Our LPG refill was getting delayed and we were worried about managing daily cooking. So we bought an induction heater as a backup. It’s helping us manage basic cooking for now,” she said.
Another resident, Priya Das of Mango, said many families in her neighbourhood are doing the same.
“Everyone is talking about the LPG crisis. Some neighbours already had induction cookers and others are buying them now. Even if gas becomes available later, it’s good to have an alternative,” she added.

LPG Crisis Driving Shift in Kitchen Habits

The nationwide LPG shortage is linked to disruptions in global energy supply chains, prompting households across India to explore electric cooking options.
Experts say the current situation may accelerate a broader shift toward electric cooking appliances, particularly induction heaters, as consumers look for reliable alternatives.
For now, however, the immediate impact in Jamshedpur is visible in the crowded electronics stores, busy repair shops and rapidly emptying shelves — all signalling how the LPG crisis is changing kitchen habits across the city.