Electric to the rescue: Amid LPG shortage concerns, induction stoves fly off shelves in Tamil Nadu

Owing to concerns about the shortage of LPG cylinders, people gave in to panic-buying. Many consumer durables stores saw induction stoves sold out, while restocking might take several weeks. Many consumers are getting their induction cooktops repaired even as staff at service centres find themselves overburdened.

Consumer electronics chains such as Sathya Electronics, Prestige Xclusive, and Vasanth & Co are short on induction stoves and plan to stock up on inventory. “We sold more than 20 units at one outlet. People did not mind getting display units that had a few scratches. We’re sold out across all outlets and will place fresh orders,” said Menaka D, a staff at Sathya Electronics, T Nagar.




At his 160sqft repair shop in Valasaravakkam, Shivasankar G is surrounded by induction stove units, with barely enough space to sit and work.

“On average, four or five people might walk in during a month to get induction tops repaired. On Wednesday, we had 30. Since it’s just two workers, including me, it takes at least an hour to repair, and more, if parts must be replaced. We told customers it would take a week. Still, many left their stoves behind,” he said.

Homemakers are opting to rely on induction stoves and using gas stoves only when necessary. Gangalakshmi S, uses the induction stove to cook rice and gravies, or boil milk and eggs. “I cook the rice on induction. Before it boils over, I move it to the gas stove for two minutes and allow the steam to cook the food. For gravy, you can steam veggies on induction and make gravy on the stove. This reduces cooking time, saves gas and keeps electricity consumption to a minimum,” she added.