Quick commerce platforms like Blinkit, Instamart, and Zepto are reporting a massive surge in induction cooktop sales, with one executive citing a tenfold increase, due to panic buying over fears of LPG gas shortages. This panic is driven by government actions, including halted commercial LPG supply and a longer waiting period for cylinder bookings, alongside recent price hikes for both domestic and commercial cylinders.
The platforms are offering large discounts on induction units, but many are already out of stock, with the trend concentrated in metros among those reliant on LPG cylinders. Analysts note the surge is driven by user searches prompted by this panic, highlighting how quick commerce has become a preferred channel for such urgent, unplanned purchases due to its speed and convenience.
The main topics covered are the surge in induction cooktop sales on quick commerce apps, the causes (panic over LPG supply disruptions and price hikes), and the resulting market dynamics including discounts and stock shortages.
Quick commerce platforms saw a spike in the sale of induction cooktops on Tuesday as panic buying set in over fears that gas supplies might run out, industry executives told ET.
Eternal-owned Blinkit is offering discounts of up to 72% on cooktops; most products are already out of stock and only limited options are still available. Similarly, Instamart is offering discounts of up to 60% on hobs, and some products are already sold out. Zepto is offering up to 40% discount on premium kitchen appliances, including induction stoves.
âWe have seen a 10X spike in induction sales today compared to business-as-usual,â said an executive from one of the leading quick commerce firms.
ET has reached out to Blinkit, Instamart, Zepto, Amazon Now, BigBasket, and Flipkart Minutes for comments.
âThe deals on induction cooktops on quick commerce platforms are driven by user searches on the app, which are driven by the panic in metros among people who depend on LPG cylinders instead of piped gas connections,â said Satish Meena, founder, Datum Intelligence.
These platforms have become the go-to option for unplanned purchases due to faster delivery and convenience.
The development comes as the government has stopped commercial LPG supply resulting in restaurants in some regions temporarily shutting down operations. The government has also raised the minimum waiting period for booking an LPG cylinder to 25 days from 15 to avoid hoarding and black market sales.
As the war continues to escalate, LPG prices have also shot up. On March 7, the price of a domestic cylinder was raised by Rs 60, while commercial cylinders saw a hike of Rs 115.
Eternal-owned Blinkit is offering discounts of up to 72% on cooktops; most products are already out of stock and only limited options are still available. Similarly, Instamart is offering discounts of up to 60% on hobs, and some products are already sold out. Zepto is offering up to 40% discount on premium kitchen appliances, including induction stoves.
âWe have seen a 10X spike in induction sales today compared to business-as-usual,â said an executive from one of the leading quick commerce firms.
ET has reached out to Blinkit, Instamart, Zepto, Amazon Now, BigBasket, and Flipkart Minutes for comments.
âThe deals on induction cooktops on quick commerce platforms are driven by user searches on the app, which are driven by the panic in metros among people who depend on LPG cylinders instead of piped gas connections,â said Satish Meena, founder, Datum Intelligence.
These platforms have become the go-to option for unplanned purchases due to faster delivery and convenience.
The development comes as the government has stopped commercial LPG supply resulting in restaurants in some regions temporarily shutting down operations. The government has also raised the minimum waiting period for booking an LPG cylinder to 25 days from 15 to avoid hoarding and black market sales.
As the war continues to escalate, LPG prices have also shot up. On March 7, the price of a domestic cylinder was raised by Rs 60, while commercial cylinders saw a hike of Rs 115.
Meridiano
