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 in Guwahati.
On Saturday, numerous kitchen appliance retailers experienced a significant influx of customers, with items such as induction cooktops, rice cookers, and electric kettles quickly flying off the shelves.
Due to reports of limited cylinder availability and delays in LPG bookings, many households and small businesses in the area have begun opting for induction cooktops as an alternative to conventional cooking gas.
Local traders in Guwahati noted that shops specializing in these products, particularly induction cooktops, have seen a surge in customer traffic over the past several days.
Whereas traders typically sold one or two induction cooktops daily, they are now moving between 20 to 40 units.
Saturday was exceptionally busy, with one trader reporting sales of around 40 to 50 induction cooktops in a single day.
“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 explained.
A dealer in Fancy Bazar echoed similar sentiments, noting that stock levels are depleting rapidly.
“Our inventory is very limited. Even distributors are struggling to meet the rising demand,” he stated.
“Customers are no longer asking for specific 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 cannot afford to run out of cooking gas, so I opted for an induction stove as a backup.”
Another shopper 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 indicated that if the LPG supply situation remains unstable, the demand for induction cooktops in Guwahati could continue to rise in the coming days.