India plans subsidies for induction cookstoves to cut LPG imports

India is drawing up a plan to accelerate the adoption of electric induction cookstoves, considering subsidies, lower customs duties on key components, and upgrades to electricity distribution infrastructure. The proposals were discussed at a meeting last week attended by officials from the ministries of power and new & renewable energy, Niti Aayog, DPIIT, discoms, and industry representatives, Livemint reports.

Policymakers see induction cookstoves as a way to reduce exposure to global LPG supply disruptions for its 340 million consumers. Induction cooking costs about a third less than conventional methods. India is the world's second-largest importer of LPG, with nearly 65% of its annual demand of 33 million tonnes met through imports, about 90% from West Asia.

Key components such as glass, coil, PCBs, and DC fans are mostly imported from China, comprising 90% of an appliance's cost of around Rs 1,000. The industry has sought customs duty and GST reduction from 18% to 5%. Discoms said large-scale adoption would require assessment of household loads and infrastructure upgrades. The government has also started a national awareness programme.