Due to shortage and rising prices of LPG, people are looking at induction as a cheaper option. Running induction may be cheaper than LPG, but power cuts, need for special utensils and traditional cooking habits are its main challenges.
LPG Crisis: Tension is continuously increasing in Western Asia, which is directly impacting the energy market around the world. Due to interruption in the supply of oil and gas, fuel prices have suddenly increased in many countries. In India too, shortage of LPG cylinders and rising prices have increased the problems of common people.
The government may be saying that there is no shortage of domestic LPG in the country, but kilometer long lines for LPG cylinders are being seen in many cities like Karnataka, Delhi. Local people are troubled by the shortage of cylinders and delay in delivery. The situation is such that hoteliers have now started using wood stoves for cooking. In such a situation, people are showing great interest in buying induction cooktop for the kitchen. They think it will be cheaper than cylinder.
Flood of complaints regarding LPG supply in many cities
According to reports, there are long queues outside LPG agencies in many cities of the country including Karnataka, Lucknow, Delhi and Pune. Customers say that they are facing difficulty in booking cylinders and getting delivery on time. This problem is not limited to homes only. The delay in gas supply is also affecting many restaurants, hotels and small businesses. Some reports even say that due to shortage of gas, some hotels and restaurants have stopped making some dishes from their menu.
LPG expensive or induction? full accounting of expenses
A typical domestic LPG cylinder holds about 14.2 kg of gas and costs around ₹950. However, according to an estimate, the efficiency of a gas stove is only about 55%. This means that a large amount of energy is wasted as heat while cooking.
Induction cooktops, on the other hand, use most of the electrical energy directly for cooking, making them more efficient. Many studies show that if electricity rates are not too high, cooking on an induction cooktop can be cheaper.
According to some estimates, a family can save anywhere from ₹180 to ₹1,000 per month by using induction. According to a report in ‘Energy Economics’, in many cases using an electric stove is less expensive than using non-subsidized LPG. Then why do people still prefer LPG?
These problems are related to induction
Even though induction cooktop can reduce expenses, people in many parts of the country still consider LPG cylinders more reliable. A major reason for this is power cuts. When there is no light, the gas stove is the only recourse. Moreover, many traditional Indian methods like baking roti or chapati, applying tadka or cooking something directly on flame are easy on the gas stove.
Special utensils are required for induction
To use an induction cooktop, special utensils are required. Many traditional utensils used in Indian homes do not work on induction. In such a situation, people, especially in rural areas and small towns, may have to buy new utensils for induction, which increases the initial expense. This is the reason why despite being less expensive, many families still prefer LPG cylinders. Although an induction cooktop may prove to be a cheaper option in some cases, power supply, initial cost and cooking habits also play a big role in this decision.