 "A cook prepares food on an induction cooktop amid LPG shortages affecting restaurants, in Mumbai, March 11, 2026. PTI")
As geopolitical tensions in West Asia continue to disrupt global energy markets, the Government of India has initiated a multi-pronged strategy to cushion domestic consumers from rising fuel costs. A key focus area is the rapid scaling up of induction heater production, an electricity-based alternative to traditional gas cooking.
In a high-level inter-ministerial meeting convened by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), senior officials deliberated on strengthening India’s manufacturing ecosystem for induction-based appliances. The meeting was attended by DPIIT Secretary Amardeep Singh Bhatia, Power Secretary Pankaj Agrawal, Director General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) Lav Agarwal, along with representatives from multiple ministries.
According to sources, the government is working on fast-tracking the entire value chain from manufacturing induction cooktops to ensuring adequate production of compatible cookware. The government views this move as a strategic response to global supply disruptions and price volatility in fossil fuels.
Reducing dependence on LPG
The push for induction appliances comes at a time when liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) markets are under pressure due to supply uncertainties linked to the West Asia crisis. By encouraging a shift towards electricity-based cooking solutions, policymakers aim to reduce the burden on LPG demand while providing households with a more stable and potentially cost-effective alternative.
Officials indicated that boosting domestic manufacturing will ensure supply stability and support the government’s broader “Make in India” initiative, creating opportunities for local industries and employment.
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View AllParallel push for PNG expansion
Alongside the induction drive, the government is also accelerating the rollout of Piped Natural Gas (PNG) connections across the country. Speaking at an interministerial briefing, Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, highlighted that expanding PNG infrastructure is critical to easing pressure on LPG supplies.
“The government has taken several steps to promote PNG connections. This will help reduce dependence on LPG and ensure better energy access,” Sharma said.
She added that the Centre has introduced policy incentives to encourage states to facilitate PNG expansion. Notably, states promoting PNG adoption through ease-of-doing-business measures are eligible for an additional 10 per cent allocation of commercial LPG.
Several states have already begun benefiting from this policy framework, indicating a gradual shift in India’s urban energy consumption patterns.
The twin strategy—boosting induction heater production and expanding PNG networks—reflects a broader attempt by the government to diversify India’s energy consumption base. With global crude and gas markets facing uncertainty, reducing dependence on imported fuels has become a policy priority.
Industry stakeholders have welcomed the move, noting that increased domestic manufacturing of induction appliances could reduce import dependence, lower costs over time, and provide consumers with more resilient energy options.
As tensions in West Asia continue to evolve, the government’s proactive measures signal an effort to insulate the domestic economy from external shocks while accelerating the transition towards cleaner and more diversified energy solutions.