Rising Demand for Convenience Foods Amid LPG Supply Concerns in India

Shift in Consumer Preferences

As geopolitical tensions in the Middle East disrupt global energy supplies, Indian consumers are increasingly opting for ready-to-eat meals, frozen snacks, and no-cook food options due to worries about Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) shortages. Retailers report a significant rise in demand for convenience foods as families seek alternatives to traditional cooking methods that rely on gas.

The ongoing conflict involving Israel, Iran, and the United States has unsettled global energy markets, leading to fears of potential LPG supply interruptions. With uncertainty surrounding the availability of gas cylinders, many households are turning to quick-preparation food items that require minimal cooking.

Retailers have noted a marked increase in categories such as instant noodles, frozen snacks, ready meals, and ready-to-cook products, with sales in these areas rising by 10–20% month-on-month as families adapt their cooking practices. Karan Ahuja, a spokesperson for premium grocery retailer Le Marche, stated, “Demand for ready meals, frozen snacks, instant noodles, and ready-to-cook products has surged, resulting in a 10–12% increase.” He mentioned that while this trend may be temporary, the retailer is boosting inventory to meet the heightened demand.

The situation escalated last week as supply disruptions related to the Gulf conflict led to LPG cylinder shortages across various sectors, including restaurants, factories, and households. Food brands are already observing significant changes in consumer behavior. Deb Mukherjee, founder of the Asian packaged foods brand Moi Soi, noted that their Thai curry ready-to-cook pastes are experiencing record sales since their launch two years ago. “This could lead to a long-term change in consumer habits, with more individuals opting for ready-to-eat pastes even after the situation normalizes,” Mukherjee added.

In response to the surge in demand, companies are launching targeted promotions. Mother Dairy has reintroduced advertising for its frozen vegetable line, while Swiggy Instamart is promoting induction-compatible cookware as consumers look for alternatives to gas cooking.

Food manufacturers are also seeing increased interest in packaged meal solutions. A representative from LT Foods, known for its Daawat ready-to-cook biryani kits and rice mixes, mentioned that demand for their convenience food range has been steadily rising. The company anticipates stronger sales in this segment if LPG supply issues persist.

Analysts suggest that the current trend may resemble the shift observed during the COVID-19 pandemic when lockdowns led to a spike in the consumption of ready-to-cook and frozen foods. Although growth later stabilized, the recent disruptions may again drive households toward more convenient food options.

Health-oriented packaged foods are also gaining popularity. Ankit Jha, founder and chief marketing officer of the nutrition brand Doctor’s Choice, reported strong demand for products like protein oats and millet muesli, particularly among working professionals and health-conscious consumers.

Despite the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas prioritizing domestic LPG supplies since early March, shortages persist in several regions. Some households have experienced price hikes of up to 30% for gas cylinders, further motivating consumers to seek alternative cooking methods.

This disruption is also leading to increased sales of electric cooking appliances. Infiniti Retail, which operates Croma stores, reported a dramatic rise in demand for induction cooktops. Managing Director Shibashish Roy stated, “We have seen a sharp increase in demand for induction cooktops, with daily sales nearly three times the usual levels.” If supply disruptions continue, analysts predict that the shift toward convenience foods and electric cooking solutions could permanently alter cooking habits in Indian households.