LPG crisis boosts induction sales: Stocks of these companies soar
What's the story
Shares of household appliance companies have witnessed a major surge amid the ongoing LPG crisis. The spike comes as consumers are increasingly turning to alternatives like induction cooktops and electric kettles. Notably, TTK Prestige's shares jumped nearly 25% in the last three trading sessions. Greenchef Appliances's shares also rose by 6.5%, while Crompton Greaves Consumer Electricals and Jaipan Industries saw their stocks rise by 2% and an impressive 19%, respectively.
Market response
Stovekraft and Croma report surge in induction cooktop demand
Tata Group's Croma has reported a threefold increase in induction cooktop demand over the past few days. Stovekraft Ltd, which owns the popular kitchen appliance brand Pigeon, also witnessed its average weekly online sales quadruple during this period. "At Croma, we have observed a sharp and immediate uptick in demand for induction cooktops over the past few days," Infiniti Retail Ltd (Croma) CEO & MD Shibashish Roy said.
Product popularity
Croma doubles electric kettle sales
Along with induction cooktops, Croma has also seen a spike in electric kettle sales, nearly doubling from the usual run rate. Roy said, "Induction cooktops and electric kettles are increasingly being viewed as a reliable and convenient alternative." He added that Croma is making sure to keep enough stock across its stores and online channels to meet this increased demand.
E-commerce surge
Amazon India reports a significant rise in similar products
Amazon India also confirmed the trend, reporting a 30x jump in induction cooktop sales over the last two days. The company also noted a fourfold increase in rice cookers and electric pressure cookers, as well as a twofold rise for air fryers and multi-use kettles. A spokesperson said, "Customers are using Amazon Now to get similar products within minutes in parts of Delhi-NCR, Mumbai and Bengaluru."
Production increase
Stovekraft to ramp up production
Stovekraft's Managing Director Rajendra Gandhi confirmed a fourfold spike in average weekly sales of induction cooktops on e-commerce platforms since the Middle East tensions began. The company currently produces around 2 lakh units of induction cooktops at its Harohalli, Karnataka facility and plans to ramp this up in the coming fiscal year.
Supply assurance
Oil ministry says no need for panic booking on LPG
Amid the West Asia conflict, a senior Oil Ministry official has assured that there is no need for panic booking on LPG. Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, told reporters at a briefing that India's crude oil supplies remain secure. "Crude oil is being sourced from non-Strait of Hormuz routes," she said.