LPG Crisis In India: Is Induction Cooker Cheaper Than LPG? Cost And Efficiency Explained

For several decades, the Indian government has introduced multiple schemes to encourage households to adopt Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) cylinders for cooking. However, the ongoing US-Iran-Israel conflict has raised concerns about a possible LPG crisis in India. As a result, many households have begun exploring alternative cooking options in case of an LPG shortage or a price surge.

Although a variety of alternatives exist, including electric pressure cookers, solar stoves, biogas systems, air fryers, and microwave ovens, the induction cooktop has emerged as one of the most popular options. Its appeal largely comes from its fast cooking speed, high energy efficiency, cleaner operation, and enhanced safety features.

LPG vs Induction Cooker: Which Is Cheaper?

A report by The Hindu highlights that LPG cooking is relatively inefficient compared with induction cooking. A gas flame can lose nearly 60% of its heat to the surrounding air, meaning that only about 40% of the energy paid for actually contributes to cooking. At present, a standard 14.2-kg non-subsidised LPG cylinder costs roughly Rs 913 in cities such as Delhi.

In contrast, induction cooktops can achieve efficiency levels of around 90% because the heat is generated directly inside the cooking vessel without warming the surrounding air. To produce the same amount of useful heat as one full LPG cylinder, an induction stove would require approximately 78 units of electricity. Even at a relatively high residential tariff of Rs 8 per unit, the total electricity bill would be about Rs 624, resulting in potential monthly savings of nearly Rs 300 compared with LPG. However, the report noted that higher power usage could push some households into a more expensive billing slab, potentially increasing their monthly electricity bill.

However, shifting entirely to induction cooking involves certain upfront costs. Consumers must first purchase an induction cooktop, which typically costs between Rs 2,000 and Rs 4,000, roughly comparable to the price of a mid-range gas stove. In addition, induction cooking requires compatible cookware, such as stainless steel or cast-iron utensils with flat bottoms. Buying a complete set of such cookware can add several thousand rupees to the initial investment.

Despite these initial expenses, studies suggest that the lower day-to-day operating costs of induction cooking can allow an average household to recover its investment within about a year. Induction cooktops also keep kitchens cooler and are easier to clean, which may reduce the need for heavy ventilation and additional cleaning effort.

That said, induction cooking is not always practical for commercial establishments such as restaurants and hotels. The capital investment required for large-scale electric cooking equipment can be two to three times higher than that for LPG-based systems. For example, converting an existing commercial kitchen to electrical cooking may require compatible burners costing around Rs 3.5 lakh. Moreover, since induction stoves rely entirely on electricity, inadequate power supply or backup systems could disrupt operations in restaurants and hotels, making LPG a more reliable option for the hospitality industry.