MUMBAI: As global tensions simmer in West Asia, India is cooking up a fresh strategy to keep kitchens running smoothly by turning up the heat on induction cookers. The Union Government is preparing a comprehensive plan to rapidly scale up production of induction heaters and compatible cooking vessels, aiming to reduce the country’s reliance on LPG amid the ongoing crisis in West Asia.
According to media sources, a high-level meeting was recently held involving DPIIT Secretary Amardeep Singh Bhatia, Power Secretary Pankaj Agarwal, and director-general of foreign trade Lav Agarwal. The discussions focused on ways to boost manufacturing capacity and meet rising demand for electric cooking appliances.
Demand for induction heaters and other electric alternatives has surged since the conflict began. Officials are preparing for a scenario where the situation drags on for several more months, potentially creating supply challenges for traditional cooking gas.
At present, oil companies have secured crude oil supplies for the next 60 days, and there is no immediate gap. Domestic refinery production has been ramped up by 40 per cent, pushing daily LPG output to around 50 TMT more than 60 per cent of the country’s requirement. Additionally, around 800 TMT of assured inbound LPG cargoes are en route from the United States, Russia and Australia.
The government is also actively promoting Piped Natural Gas (PNG) as a viable alternative, citing higher domestic availability. India currently produces around 92 MMSCMD of natural gas against a total daily requirement of 191 MMSCMD.
Despite improved availability of LPG, petrol and diesel overall, reports of long queues at refilling centres and petrol pumps have surfaced in recent weeks. Authorities have urged citizens to avoid panic buying and have asked states to crack down on hoarding and black marketing to stabilise the situation.
In uncertain times, when global storms threaten the kitchen flame, India is wisely hedging its bets swapping some gas cylinders for induction plates and preparing to cook smarter, not just harder.
