As the shortage of commercial LPG cylinders continues to affect hospitality establishments, several hotels, hostels and community kitchens are exploring electric cooking as an alternative to keep their operations running.
The disruption in LPG supplies has created uncertainty for institutions that depend heavily on gas for preparing large quantities of food every day. However, facilities equipped with electric cooking equipment say they are relatively better prepared to handle the situation.
Electric cooking emerges as a temporary solution
Achal Sridharan, founder of CovaiCare retirement communities in Coimbatore, said the crisis may force kitchens to shift completely to electric cooking if the shortage worsens.
According to him, the move is not driven by cost efficiency but by necessity.
“It is a question of survival and not viability. Yes, the costs will be slightly higher. But we need to manage that,” he said.
Electric cooking systems such as induction stoves and electric ovens allow kitchens to continue preparing meals without relying on LPG cylinders.
Institutions adjust to fuel uncertainty
Community kitchens and retirement homes that serve hundreds of meals daily depend on uninterrupted fuel supply to maintain routine food services.
With LPG availability becoming unpredictable, several institutions are reviewing their kitchen infrastructure and exploring ways to adapt quickly.
While electric cooking provides a temporary alternative, operators note that it may increase operational costs due to higher electricity consumption.
Sector adapts amid LPG supply crisis
The current shortage has affected various sectors that depend on commercial LPG, including restaurants, hotels and industrial kitchens.
Industry leaders say that although electric equipment can support basic cooking requirements, a complete shift away from LPG is challenging for large-scale kitchens that require high heat and faster cooking speeds.
For now, establishments are focusing on adapting their operations while waiting for normal LPG supplies to resume.