With LPG supply uncertain, Lucknow residents switch to induction stoves, e-cookers ; stocks start running out

LUCKNOW: Amid growing speculation over shortage of LPG cylinders, residents are turning to induction cooktops and electric cookers as alternatives in the city. Shopkeepers reported sharp rise in enquiries and sale of induction stoves over past three days, with several stores witnessing unusually higher demand.Nazeerabad shopkeeper Mukesh Agarwal said, "These appliances remained unsold for days, but now, in last two days, I sold around 100 units, mostly induction cooktops." Another retailer said, "We sold two induction cooktops at the most in a month, but people are now been lining up to buy them." Wholesale trader and Lucknow Vyapar Mandal general secretary Pawan Manocha said,"In the past couple of days, we sold 111 appliances, including 95 induction sets."

He added that normally, supply and manufacturing volumes of induction cooktops are limited. "Most induction cooktops come through Delhi markets and many are imported from China, so the suppliers too have limited stocks. If current pace of buying continues, the market could soon face a shortage of induction cooktops too," he said.Retailers dealing in electronic appliances too confirmed a sudden spike in demand.

Faizabad road retailer Nitin Agarwal said number of customer enquiries had increased several times. "We are getting 8 to 10 enquiries daily and even starting to see a shortage of induction stoves," he said.Owner of two retail franchises, Jatin Johar, said, "In last two days, we sold around 40 units from our stores."A school teacher residing in Indiranagar, Ritu Srivastava, said, "I bought induction cooktop as a backup as I did not want to put daily cooking to risk.

Even if the situation improves, the induction cooker will remain a useful alternative."Gomti Nagar resident medical representative Anil Verma said, "I purchased an induction stove on Tuesday because waiting period for LPG cylinders increased. I travel frequently for work and cannot afford disruptions in daily cooking routine." Advocate Nitin Mathur said, "Many people in my area are buying induction cooktop to ensure they have an alternative handy."Staff member at an electronics store in Aliganj, Vikas Singh, said over 40 induction cooktops were sold in last 2 days, and there is a shortage even at wholesale level.Household goods retailer Amit Singh, dealing in offline and online retail and wholesale, said, "We are receiving calls almost every hour from customers asking about availability of induction cooktops." Chairman of Lucknow Vyapar Mandal and owner of a chain of restaurants, Anil Virmani, said, "With reports of LPG shortage and uncertainty in supply, food sector players are exploring alternative cooking devices too. We are evaluating use of induction stoves and other electric cooking options as a backup so that kitchen operations are not disrupted if the situation prolongs. For restaurants, continuity in cooking is crucial, so having an alternative system is always a sensible precaution.

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