The sudden spike in demand began on Tuesday and intensified on Wednesday, with several retailers witnessing unusually high footfall and even running out of stock.

The rush to purchase electric cooking appliances comes despite assurances from K H Muniyappa that the supply of domestic LPG cylinders will not be affected.

However, many consumers appear to be preparing for a worst-case scenario by purchasing alternative cooking appliances such as induction cooktops and electric pressure cookers.

Retailers across the city say they began noticing an increase in customer enquiries soon after reports of gas supply disruptions started circulating.

A salesman at Girias on Brigade Road said the store received around five enquiries for induction stoves on Tuesday, which is considered unusual for a regular business day.

Similarly, staff at Reliance Digital in Koramangala reported receiving two to three more enquiries than usual.

By Wednesday, the number of customers visiting stores or calling to ask about electric cooking appliances had increased significantly.

Retailers say the surge in demand has quickly depleted stocks of induction cooktops in several outlets.

At an appliance store in Jayanagar, around 350 induction stoves were sold within a short period, far exceeding normal sales volumes.

A salesperson from Mahendra Appliances in Jayanagar said the store sold 70 induction stoves in a single day, which is typically the number they sell in an entire month.

Another retailer, Venus World in Malleswaram, reported that it had almost run out of stock.

'We only have one brand left, priced at around ₹1,950,' a salesman said.

Similarly, Shiva Electricals had just two to three induction stoves remaining after experiencing an unexpected spike in demand.

Not all stores witnessed immediate purchases, but several reported a significant rise in phone enquiries from customers.

Staff at Dream Home said they received around ten calls from customers asking about induction cooktops.

A representative from Infinia Home and Kitchen on Tipu Sultan Palace Road also confirmed that both enquiries and sales had increased noticeably since Tuesday.

Retailers say many customers are exploring electric alternatives to ensure they can continue cooking even if gas supply becomes uncertain.

The surge in demand is not limited to physical stores.

Quick commerce platforms such as Zepto, Swiggy (Instamart) and Blinkit were reportedly running low on induction cooktops and similar appliances by Wednesday evening.

Online marketplaces are also witnessing an unusual spike in sales of electric cooking appliances.

According to a spokesperson from Amazon India, sales of induction cooktops have increased dramatically over the past two days.

'Sales of induction cooktops have risen by more than 30 times compared to a regular day. Rice cookers and electric pressure cookers are seeing a fourfold increase, while air fryers and multi-use kettles have seen double the usual sales,' the spokesperson said.

Retail experts say the surge reflects consumer anxiety triggered by reports of disruptions in commercial LPG supply in several parts of Karnataka.

Even though the government has assured that domestic LPG cylinders are available, many households appear to be taking precautionary measures.

Electric appliances such as induction stoves are often seen as a convenient backup option because they can be used with standard power connections and do not depend on gas cylinders.

The sudden spike in sales of induction stoves highlights how quickly consumer behaviour can change during supply uncertainties. While domestic LPG supply remains stable, fears of a broader gas shortage have prompted many households to explore alternative cooking solutions.

Retailers say demand may continue to remain high in the coming days if concerns about LPG supply persist.