Energy Security Fears Drive Action

India is stepping up efforts to promote electric cooking and expand electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure, a move driven by both immediate energy security needs and long-term economic goals. The country aims to reduce its heavy reliance on imported fuels like LPG and LNG.

Geopolitical Risks Highlight Import Vulnerability

The ongoing conflict in West Asia has highlighted India's vulnerability to global energy market disruptions. About 60% of India's LPG is imported, with a critical 90% of shipments passing through the Strait of Hormuz. Any instability in the region directly risks domestic supplies. This has already caused supply gaps, with LPG imports falling over 40% in March compared to earlier months. In response, the government has directed refineries to boost LPG production, reportedly by 25%, and is urging states to tackle hoarding and illegal sales. India is also seeking LPG from more countries, including the US, Russia, and Argentina, and has resumed shipments from Iran after a seven-year break. However, global oil prices have climbed, with India's crude oil basket reaching $113.5 per barrel in March 2026, increasing the country's import costs and likely fueling inflation.

Renewables Make E-Cooking Affordable

India is also benefiting from falling renewable energy costs. Solar power, especially with battery storage, is becoming competitive. Recent auctions in 2025 and 2026 show electricity costs between ₹2.9–3.5 per kWh for solar-plus-storage, and ₹3.12/kWh in another auction. The estimated total cost for solar with storage, capable of meeting most of India's electricity needs, is around ₹5.06/kWh. This is cheaper than new coal power projects, which now cost ₹5-6.3/kWh due to higher capital and fuel expenses. This cost advantage makes electric cooking a practical alternative to imported fossil fuels. The government is speeding up local production of induction cooktops and compatible cookware, and encouraging EV charging during the day to use cheaper electricity. Analysts predict electric cooking could cut India's LPG demand by half by mid-century. India has large solar potential and is quickly growing its renewable capacity, aiming for 500 GW by 2030. Renewables are expected to provide 42% of electricity generation by 2030.

Global Shift and India's Energy History

India's push for electric cooking matches a global trend toward cleaner options, though uptake varies. Wealthier countries like the US and EU members commonly use electric stoves. Nations such as Uganda are testing special electricity rates for cooking, and Kenya aims to provide clean cooking for everyone by 2028. India has historically imported most of its oil and LPG since 1999. LPG imports grew sharply over the last 20 years, partly due to programs like Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) which greatly increased connections. The current energy crisis makes the long-standing need to find more energy sources and boost domestic production even more urgent.

Challenges and Risks Remain

Despite efforts, India's heavy reliance on imported LPG is a major weakness. Supply disruptions directly affect millions of households and can worsen inflation and weaken the currency. While India is seeking LPG from new countries, this may not fully solve supply risks from conflict areas. Faster local production of induction cooktops is strategic, but could lead to reliance on imported parts. Getting people to adopt electric cooking faces challenges, including initial costs and not knowing about efficiency gains, as seen in Europe where more people need to learn about induction stoves. Government promises of enough supply have clashed with reports of panic buying, showing how social and economic problems could arise if supplies fail. The unstable global energy prices also strain India's finances, possibly requiring more subsidies or taxes, which can lead to currency depreciation and market volatility.

India's Ambitious Energy Goals

India has set bold goals: 25% of cooking to use electricity by 2030 and 60% of its energy sources to be non-fossil fuels by 2035. Analysts generally agree that renewable energy assets are more appealing now due to their steady, guaranteed income, unlike the unstable fossil fuel power market. The trend toward electric cooking is set to grow, with projections suggesting it could halve LPG demand by mid-century. The government is also expanding the natural gas network alongside promoting electric cooking and biogas, showing a multiple-part plan for cleaner fuel use. The success of these plans will depend on ongoing government backing, solid financial planning, and overcoming public resistance.