Middle-East Crisis: Govt Eyes Induction Cookers, Petrochemicals To Tackle Supply Risks

Last Updated:April 04, 2026, 09:24 IST

India boosts induction cooker output and promotes PNG to cut LPG reliance amid West Asia crisis, says supplies are stable, urges public to avoid panic buying and hoarding

Centre Pushes Electric Cooking Solutions To Offset LPG Pressure

The Union Government is working on a strategy to accelerate the production of induction heaters and compatible cooking vessels as part of efforts to reduce reliance on LPG during the ongoing West Asia crisis.

Demand for induction heaters and other electric appliances has risen sharply since the crisis began. According to the CNBC-TV18 report, officials indicated that if the conflict persists for several more months, India must be prepared to manage potential disruptions in fuel supply chains.

The push toward electric cooking is being seen as a preventive step to reduce pressure on LPG consumption, especially in urban and semi-urban households where induction adoption is relatively easier.

LPG Supplies Stable Despite Concerns

The government has maintained that there is currently no shortage of LPG. As per the CNBC-TV18 report, oil companies have already secured crude supplies for the next 60 days, ensuring stability in the near term.

Domestic refinery output has been increased by 40%, taking daily LPG production to 50 thousand metric tonnes (TMT), which accounts for over 60% of India’s total requirement. The CNBC-TV18 report also noted that 800 TMT of LPG cargoes are already on the way from countries including the United States, Russia, and Australia.

PNG Emerges As Alternative Fuel Option

Authorities are also promoting Piped Natural Gas (PNG) as a viable alternative for cooking. According to the CNBC-TV18 report, India is significantly less dependent on imports for natural gas compared to LPG.

The country currently produces 92 million metric standard cubic meters per day (MMSCMD) of natural gas against a total demand of 191 MMSCMD, providing some cushion in meeting domestic needs.

Panic Buying Reports Trigger Government Advisory

Despite adequate supply, the CNBC-TV18 report highlighted that there have been instances of long queues at LPG refill stations and petrol pumps in recent weeks. The government has urged citizens to avoid panic buying and has directed states to take strict action against hoarding and black marketing.

Officials emphasized that maintaining orderly consumption patterns is critical to ensuring uninterrupted supply during the ongoing geopolitical uncertainty.

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