As of March 2026, a severe LPG crisis has gripped households across the country, leading to widespread anxiety and panic. With traditional cooking gas cylinders becoming increasingly difficult to procure, residents have frantically turned to electric induction stoves as a last resort. However, the surge in demand has been so overwhelming that quick-commerce giants like Blinkit, Swiggy Instamart, and Zepto have completely run out of stock.

The shortage of LPG has left thousands of families stranded, with cylinder bookings remaining unfulfilled for weeks. In urban areas, where people rely heavily on 10-minute delivery services for essential appliances, the “Out of Stock” labels on induction cooktops have added to the growing frustration. Retail electronic stores are also reporting a total sell-out, with waiting lists stretching for days. This double blow—no gas and no alternative cooking equipment—has put ordinary citizens in a desperate situation.

Supply chain disruptions are being blamed for this acute shortage, and there is a palpable fear that if the situation persists, the cost of outside food and restaurant services will skyrocket. For many, the kitchen has become a place of stress rather than nourishment. While the administration promises a swift resolution, the lack of immediate alternatives is forcing people to adopt drastic measures, including communal cooking and reduced meals. The crisis highlights a massive vulnerability in the energy infrastructure, leaving the public questioning when normalcy will return to their dinner tables.