Cooking Costs: Induction, LPG and PNG

How the cost of cooking with LPG cylinders, piped gas and electric induction compare, and what affects the choice for Indian households.

Cooking fuel is a major household expense. Indian families mainly use LPG, piped natural gas (PNG) or, increasingly, electric induction.

LPG

Most common in Indian cities and increasingly in villages through Ujjwala.
A 14.2 kg cylinder’s price varies with global LPG prices and subsidies.
Requires cylinder delivery.

PNG

Available in cities with city gas networks.
Usually cheaper than LPG per unit of heat.
Continuous supply without cylinder booking.

Induction

Uses electricity and a magnetic field to heat cookware directly.
Very efficient: much of the energy goes into the pot, compared with gas flames that lose heat to the air.
Needs suitable cookware.
Costs depend on electricity tariffs.

Comparing costs

Rough comparisons suggest induction can be competitive with or cheaper than LPG in many states, especially where electricity is cheap or households have rooftop solar. PNG is often cheapest where available.

Other factors

Power cuts can make induction unreliable.
Cooking habits: some dishes, like rotis on a direct flame, are harder on induction.
Upfront cost of an induction cooktop.

Environment

With a cleaner electricity grid, induction can reduce emissions and indoor air pollution.

The mixed kitchen

A family uses PNG for most cooking but keeps an induction cooktop for quick tasks and as a backup. They save money compared with LPG and avoid running out of gas.

Thinking electric cooking is always expensive

Induction's high efficiency can make it competitive with LPG, depending on tariffs.

Key takeaways

Indian households mainly cook with LPG, PNG or induction.
PNG is often cheapest where available.
Induction is highly efficient and can compete with LPG.
Power cuts, habits and cookware affect the choice.