Guwahati Sees Surge in Demand for Electric Cooking Appliances Amid LPG Shortage
Rising Demand for Electric Cooking Solutions
Guwahati, March 15: A recent shortage of LPG has triggered a notable increase in the demand for electric cooking devices throughout Guwahati.
On Saturday, numerous kitchen appliance retailers experienced a significant influx of customers, with items such as induction cooktops, rice cookers, and electric kettles flying off the shelves.
Due to reports of limited cylinder availability and delays in LPG bookings, many households and small businesses in the city are opting for induction cooktops as an alternative to traditional gas cooking.
Local traders in Guwahati have reported a surge in customers over the past few days, particularly for induction cooktops.
Whereas they typically sold one or two units daily, sales have now escalated to between 20 and 40 units.
On Saturday alone, one trader managed to sell approximately 40 to 50 induction cooktops.
“Customers are rushing to stores in search of induction stoves and compatible cookware, resulting in a significant increase in sales,” remarked a trader from Lakhtokia.
Another trader in the Lakhtokia market expressed surprise at the sudden spike in demand.
“Shoppers are coming from various parts of Guwahati and even nearby regions. Many mention they are purchasing these items due to uncertainty about when their next gas cylinder will arrive. Such sales typically occur only during festive seasons,” he noted.
A dealer in Fancy Bazar echoed similar sentiments, highlighting that stocks are depleting rapidly.
“Our inventory is very limited. Even distributors are struggling to meet the rising demand,” he stated.
“Customers are no longer particular about brands; they are buying whatever is available,” he added.
Market-goers indicated that they felt compelled to seek alternatives due to the unpredictability surrounding LPG supply.
A resident from Beltola, who purchased an induction cooktop from Lakhtokia, shared, “My gas cylinder is nearly empty, and the new booking is taking longer than expected. I can’t afford to run out of cooking gas, so I opted for an induction stove as a backup.”
Another customer from Maligaon remarked, “I never imagined I would buy an induction cooktop, but given the ongoing gas shortages, it seems prudent to have an alternative at home.”
Traders also noted that if the uncertainty regarding LPG supply persists, the demand for induction cooktops in Guwahati could continue to rise in the coming days.