News Broadcasting
SPE Networks Asia introduces structural changes at AXN & Animax
MUMBAI: The two channels from the SPE Networks Asia stable, AXN Asia and Animax Asia have undergone a re-organisation with new hires and promotions of key personnel. A strategic attempt by the organisation to facilitate expansion and boost the channel profiles in the region.
AXN director-programming Wong Yan-Jong, has been promoted to executive director and will oversee the programming of AXN Asia and manage the functions of marketing and creative services. The enlarged portfolio will give her a bird’s eye view of the brand, ensuring consistency in strategy planning right through to the execution of on-air and off-air activities, informs an official release.
Also within the AXN team, Kartik Budhraja has been promoted from senior producer to associate director of creative services at AXN. He leads a team of producers for various feeds including East Asia, Taiwan, Korea and India.
At Animax, vice-president Asia Betty Tsui will similarly oversee the critical functions of programming, marketing and creative services, as well as conquering new markets to expand the channel’s reach.
The Animax brand was given a new look and image in June 2006 and in its effort to ensure a smooth execution of the revamp, two significant additions were made to the Animax team -Judy Chow is the new marketing director; while Garry Hui joins as the associate director for programming. Together, they will have the responsibilty to identify programmes and marketing initiatives that will connect and interact with today’s youths, adds the release.
In addition, Tracy Wong was promoted from senior producer to associate director of creative services, overseeing on-air activities for Animax across all feeds, including the launch of the new on-air branding. Prior to February 2006, Tracy was the senior producer for AXN East Asia feed, where she showcased her creativity through various on-air campaigns that garnered numerous awards, including two Gold awards at Promax Asia 2005.
Also, a new affiliate marketing manager has been hired to take care of affiliate marketing – Shyanne Chao joins SPE Networks Asia from StarHub, and will be dealing with cable partners around the region.
These structural changes come in response to the organization’s attempts to consolidate the programming and brand marketing of their two channel brands during last three months.
News Broadcasting
Induction cooktop demand spikes 30× amid LPG supply concerns
Supply worries linked to West Asia tensions push households and restaurants to turn to electric cooking alternatives
MUMBAI: As geopolitical tensions in West Asia ripple through global energy supply chains, the familiar blue flame in Indian kitchens is facing an unexpected challenger: electricity.
What began as concerns over the availability of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) has quickly evolved into a technology-driven shift in cooking habits. Households across India are increasingly turning to induction cooktops and other electric appliances, initially as a backup but now, for many, a necessity.
A sudden surge in demand
Recent data from quick-commerce and grocery platform BigBasket highlights the scale of the shift. According to Seshu Kumar Tirumala, the company’s chief buying and merchandising officer, demand for induction cooktops has risen dramatically.
“Induction cooktops have seen a significant surge in demand, recording a fivefold jump on 10 March and a thirtyfold spike on 11 March,” Tirumala said.
The increase stands out sharply when compared with broader kitchen appliance trends. Most appliance categories are growing within 10 per cent of their typical demand levels, while induction cooktops have witnessed explosive growth as households rush to secure an alternative cooking option.
Major e-commerce platforms including Amazon and Flipkart have reported rising searches and orders for induction stoves. Quick-commerce apps such as Blinkit and Zepto have also witnessed stock shortages in major metropolitan areas including Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru.
What was once considered a convenient appliance for hostels, small kitchens or occasional use has suddenly become an essential addition in many homes.
A crisis thousands of miles away
The trigger for this shift lies far beyond India’s kitchens.
Escalating conflict in the Middle East has disrupted shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical energy corridors. Nearly 85 to 90 per cent of India’s LPG imports pass through this narrow waterway, making the country particularly vulnerable to supply disruptions.
The ripple effects have been swift.
India currently meets roughly 60 per cent of its LPG demand through imports, and tightening global supply has already begun to affect domestic availability and prices.
Earlier this month, the price of domestic LPG cylinders increased by Rs 60, while commercial cylinders rose by more than Rs 114.
To discourage panic buying and hoarding, the government has also extended the mandatory waiting period between domestic refill bookings from 21 days to 25 days.
Restaurants feel the pressure
The strain is not limited to households. Restaurants, hotels and roadside eateries are also grappling with supply constraints as commercial LPG availability tightens under restrictions imposed through the Essential Commodities Act.
In cities such as Bengaluru and Chennai, restaurant associations report that commercial LPG availability has dropped by as much as 75 per cent, forcing many establishments to rethink their kitchen operations.
Some restaurants have reduced menu offerings, while others are rapidly installing high-efficiency induction systems, creating hybrid kitchens where electricity now shares the workload with gas.
For smaller eateries and roadside dhabas, the shift is less about sustainability and more about survival.
A potential structural shift
The government has maintained that there is no nationwide LPG crisis and has directed refineries to increase production to stabilise supply.
Nevertheless, the developments of March 2026 may already be triggering a longer-term behavioural shift.
For decades, LPG has been the backbone of cooking in Indian households. However, recent disruptions have highlighted the risks of relying on a single fuel source.
Increasingly, households appear to be hedging against uncertainty by adopting electric cooking options to guard against price volatility and delivery delays.
If the current trend continues, the induction cooktop, once viewed as a niche appliance, could emerge as a quiet symbol of India’s evolving kitchen economy.
