Induction Cooktops Go Out of Stock Online as LPG Concerns Drive Demand
By Ashwine Kumar Singh | India News | Mar 12, 2026
Demand for induction cooktops has surged across India, as worries over LPG cylinder availability in several cities push consumers to seek alternative cooking options. A recent check by NDTV on major online platforms revealed that many induction cooktops are now out of stock.
Sharp Decline in Online Availability
NDTV explored platforms such as Amazon, Flipkart, and Blinkit and found a significant drop in available stock. On Blinkit, nearly all models of induction cooktops were listed as out of stock. Amazon showed only a few brands, including Kent and Usha, as available, while the majority of other brands were unavailable. On Flipkart, Kent models were largely in stock, but several other brands had already sold out.
The sudden shortage online reflects a spike in consumer anxiety, even as the government assures that domestic LPG supply is stable.
Retailers Report Surge in Sales
Electronics retailer Croma, part of the Tata Group, has reported a threefold increase in demand for induction cooktops in recent days. “At Croma, we have noticed a sharp increase in demand for induction cooktops over the past few days,” said Shibashish Roy, CEO and Managing Director of Infiniti Retail Ltd.
Similarly, kitchen appliance maker Stovekraft Ltd, which sells products under brands like Pigeon and Gilma, confirmed a dramatic rise in online sales. Managing Director Rajendra Gandhi said the company observed a fourfold spike in weekly sales of induction cooktops following tensions in the Middle East.
LPG Concerns Fueling the Rush
The surge in demand comes amid reports of long queues outside LPG gas agencies in some cities. The government has limited commercial LPG bookings and is prioritizing domestic supply, prompting households to explore alternatives such as induction cooktops.
However, officials emphasize that there is no shortage of domestic LPG cylinders. LPG cylinders are reportedly being delivered within approximately 2.5 days after booking. Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, reassured the public that India’s crude oil supply remains secure, with 70% sourced from routes outside the Strait of Hormuz. She also noted that government measures have increased LPG production by 25%.
Despite these reassurances, the spike in online purchases demonstrates the growing concern among consumers, leading to widespread stock shortages of induction cooktops across e-commerce platforms.
Consumers looking to buy induction cooktops may need to monitor multiple platforms and consider pre-booking, as demand shows no sign of slowing in the coming days.
