As the US–Iran–Israel conflict disrupts Strait of Hormuz shipping lanes, LPG supply fears have triggered an unprecedented panic-buy of induction cooktops across India — with stocks selling out from Blinkit to Croma overnight.
Why is it happening ?
India imports a significant share of its LPG from Gulf nations — much of it shipped through the Strait of Hormuz.
As hostilities between the US, Israel, and Iran escalate, shipping disruptions and elevated freight costs have started tightening energy supply chains across the region.
Oil marketing companies have asked LPG distributors to prioritise supplies for hospitals and educational institutions, which has fuelled anxiety among households and small eateries. Commercial LPG cylinders have reportedly been sold on the black market at sharply inflated prices in some cities, amplifying the panic further.
The surge in induction cooktop purchases is predominantly precautionary behaviour — consumers hedging against future LPG uncertainty rather than responding to an active outage. In cities with piped natural gas (PNG) like Greater Noida, the demand spike has been far less pronounced.
What’s Selling Out ?
Induction cooktops have historically been secondary appliances in Indian kitchens. That changed overnight as panic-buying swept every major platform:
- Blinkit, Zepto, Swiggy Instamart & BigBasket showing ‘Sold Out’ across Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata & Mumbai
- Amazon India: 30× surge in induction cooktop sales in just 2 days
- Flipkart: sales 4–5× higher than prior weeks, described as “unprecedented”
- Tata Croma: daily run rate nearly 3× usual; customers buying multiple units
- Stovekraft (Pigeon brand): weekly online sales jumped 4×
- Electric kettles, rice cookers & air fryers also flying off shelves as alternatives
GOVT RESPONSE
The government has moved to calm nerves and shore up supply simultaneously. Officials from the Oil Ministry have publicly stated there is no need to panic and that crude oil is now being sourced via non-Strait of Hormuz routes.
- Mar 8 – Govt orders refineries to maximise LPG production and directs entire additional output toward household consumers
- Mar 9-Natural Gas Supply Regulation Order issued — PNG and CNG declared highest-priority sector for gas allocation
- Mar 11-Induction cooktop stocks begin selling out across Blinkit, Zepto, Swiggy Instamart in major cities
- Mar 12-Amazon reports 30× surge; Oil Ministry says no crisis, alternate supply routes active; PM urges calm
Domestic LPG production has been raised by 25%. Industrial and commercial LPG supply, however, faces acknowledged limitations for the time being — which is why the panic began among restaurant and catering businesses first.