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ABP News concludes ‘Shikhar Sammelan,’ offering illuminating insights into Chhattisgarh’s political landscape
Mumbai: ABP News, one of India’s Hindi news channels, delved once again into the political landscape of Chhattisgarh through an enlightening session of ‘Shikhar Sammelan,’ as the state gears up for its upcoming legislative assembly. This flagship event showcased ABP News’ unwavering commitment to furnishing a platform for in-depth discussions and analyses of pivotal political and governance matters. The half-day conclave was organised on August 19, 2023, at BabyLon International in Raipur.
ABP News’ ‘Shikhar Sammelan’, renowned for its rigorous assessment of governmental performance, brought together eminent figures, thought leaders, and citizens to engage in meaningful dialogues concerning the challenges and opportunities facing Chhattisgarh.
Distinguished attendees at the event included Chhattisgarh chief minister Bhupesh Baghel, who shared invaluable insights derived from his leadership journey. Also present were Chhattisgarh former chief minister Raman Singh, Chhattisgarh INC general secretary in-charge Kumari Selja, spiritual Guru Sadhu Manvendra Das & Dr. Kumar Vishwas and preacher Devakinandan Thakur, and bhagwat preacher & motivational speaker Devi Chitralekha. Rajya Sabha member Saroj Pandey; BJP MLA Brajmohan Agarwal, Chhattisgarh Congress committee state president Deepak Baij and Chhattisgarh cabinet minister Dr. Shiv Dahria also graced the event with their presence.
At the event, Baghel addressed the forthcoming state assembly elections. He highlighted that Congress initially secured 68 seats in the 2018 elections, which later increased to 71 through subsequent by-elections. Baghel stressed that preserving this count poses a considerable challenge. The party is dedicated to achieving and sustaining this target, showcasing their political commitment.
‘Shikhar Sammelan’ stands as a testament to ABP News’ dedication to fostering transparency, accountability, and responsible governance. The event provided a platform where key decision-makers directly engaged with the people they represent, underscoring the essence of participatory democracy.
The event concluded successfully, marking another significant achievement for ABP News in its endeavour to promote informed discussions and meaningful interactions.
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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.
