Cooking stoves running out of gas, families make a dash towards electric appliances | Lucknow News

Lucknow: Amid speculation over disruptions in the supply of domestic LPG cylinders across several districts of UP, residents in Lucknow began rushing to purchase electric kitchen appliances as alternative cooking options, triggering a sharp spike in demand at electronics stores across the city.Retailers said that besides induction stoves and electric cookers, several other electrical appliances used for cooking witnessed an unexpected surge in sales. These included air fryers, electric grills, microwave ovens, toasters, multi-purpose electric kettles and small electric ovens.Shopkeepers in Aminabad, Alambagh, Indiranagar, Hazratganj and Golf City said the rush began after reports of delays in LPG bookings and cylinder deliveries started circulating earlier this week.“Induction stoves were already selling well, but in the last two days customers also started buying air fryers, electric kettles and grills. We sold 12 pieces each, which used to be sold once a month. People want a backup in case gas cylinders are not available on time,” said Rohit Agarwal, an electronics retailer in Aminabad.Another shopkeeper, Mohammad Arif, who runs an appliance store in Alambagh, said stocks of induction cooktops and electric cookers had already depleted. “We usually sell 5-6 ovens in a span of 2-3 months. Since Thursday, we have sold more than 20 units daily of ovens, air fryers and electric kettles. Some models are already out of stock,” he said.Wholesalers supplying electrical appliances to city retailers also confirmed the sudden spike in demand. “Dealers from several parts of Lucknow placed urgent orders for induction cook-tops, electric kettles and small ovens. If this demand continues for a few more days, supply may become tight,” said Ankit Verma, a wholesale distributor with a leading electronics company in Lucknow.“We heard that gas bookings are getting delayed so we bought an induction stove and an electric kettle just to be safe,” said Neha Singh, a resident of Indiranagar.Rajesh Kumar from Aliganj said he purchased an air fryer and toaster this week. “Even if the gas supply normalises, these appliances will still be useful. But right now people want something they can rely on if cylinders are not available,” he said.Working professionals said appliances like air fryers and ovens can temporarily substitute conventional cooking methods. “With an air fryer, you can cook vegetables, snacks and even simple meals without using gas. In a situation where LPG supply becomes uncertain, it is a practical alternative,” said Abhishek Mehra, a software professional.