Challenges and Opportunities in India's Cooking Fuel Supply

Recent reports indicate a shortage of LPG for commercial use in India, highlighting the country's dependence on imported LPG and the associated risks, especially during global disruptions such as conflicts in West Asia. As LPG supply becomes constrained, exploring alternative cooking fuels like electric cooking could enhance the resilience and sustainability of India's clean cooking infrastructure.

Progress in Clean Cooking Access

• India has extended LPG distribution into rural areas using targeted subsidies like the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) and direct benefit transfers (DBT).
• Piped Natural Gas (PNG) has expanded in urban centers, providing dependable gas supply.
• These efforts have brought India close to universal access to clean cooking, combining public investment and consumer trust.

Fiscal Implications and Energy Security

• LPG provides welfare benefits, but it incurs substantial recurring costs.
• The Union Budget has allocated around Rs 12,000 crore annually for PMUY subsidies in upcoming years.
• An additional Rs 30,000 crore was approved in 2025 to assist oil marketing companies.

India's reliance on imported LPG means global price fluctuations impact household costs and public finances. Future efforts must prioritize not just access but also affordability, fiscal sustainability, and energy security.

Potential of Electric Cooking

Electric cooking in urban areas presents an affordable alternative, with operating costs about 15% lower than LPG. Cost advantages have increased with recent price hikes in LPG cylinders, making electric cooking roughly 20% cheaper in areas with reliable electricity.

• Adopting electric cooking could significantly reduce LPG demand and save up to Rs 2.4 trillion in subsidies by 2050.
• Reduced LPG demand would help ensure the availability of subsidized LPG for low-income households.

Steps for Transition

• Lower upfront appliance costs through subsidies or consumer finance for low-income households.
• Ensure electricity networks can support peak cooking demand.
• Maintain predictable electricity bills with suitable tariff structures.

Scaling electric cooking could lower appliance prices, enhance repair services, and drive innovation, making devices more energy-efficient and suited for Indian cooking.

Conclusion

India's transition in clean cooking can evolve from expansion to transformation, not by replacing LPG but by strengthening the existing system. This approach would alleviate demand pressures, expand consumer choices, and ensure clean, reliable cooking options for all households in the future.