News Broadcasting
CNBC-TV18 launches ad campaign and claims to establish its dominance on budget day
Mumbai: CNBC-TV18, an English business news channel, has launched an engaging print ad to establish the CNBC-TV18 claims leadership and dominance on budget day.
In a front-page ad in The Economic Times, CNBC-TV18 claims that the business news channel showcased a massive lead over its nearest competitor on budget day (July 23). With an edgy visual and copy, the ad reiterates CNBC-TV18’s unbeaten position in the English business news genre.
A press release issued by the channel states that, according to the latest BARC data, CNBC-TV18 captured a remarkable 91.2 per cent market share on budget day. (Source: BARC India | Market: India | Target Group: 22+ AB M | During FM’s Speech, 23rd July (11:00 AM – 12:30 PM) Week 30, 2024 | 2 Channels considered)
The channel has also stated that “In its 25th year, CNBC-TV18 put together innovative and standout coverage of the Union Budget post-elections under the theme of “Go for Growth”. The channel captured diverse expectations and recommendations from various sectors and industries to the finance ministry, reflecting the current economic climate and identifying the key issues the government needs to address with shows such as the Budget Countdown series and Budget Townhall.”
The channel’s power-packed performance and programming are helmed by a stellar line-up of anchors such as Shereen Bhan, Latha Venkatesh, Prashant Nair, Sonia Shenoy, Surabhi Upadhyay, Nigel D’Souza and Parikshit Luthra. CNBC-TV18 also launched the Budget Buddy, an AI-powered tool that simplifies union budget jargon and concepts.
CNBC-TV18 has further claimed that the nation’s Budget Headquarters, CNBC-TV18 always endeavours to capture the expectations of the common citizen from the Budget, thus reflecting the nation’s sentiments. The ‘CNBC-TV18 Budget Box – Share Your Budget Wishlist for the FM’ initiative by the channel, furthered this endeavour by providing a platform for citizens to express their hopes for Budget 2024 from the FM, with this Budget Box having travelled to multiple locations in Mumbai and Delhi across leading malls, PVR cinema halls, colleges and convenience stores to engage viewers in real-time. The Budget Box was also available virtually on the CNBC-TV18 website to allow social media followers to share their wishlist for the Budget.
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.
