Gas shortages drive Nepalese families to adopt electric induction and infrared stoves

Persistent cooking-gas shortages in Nepal have led many families to adopt electric induction and infrared stoves. Import figures from the Department of Customs reveal that, in the first two months of one outlet fiscal year, 19,508 induction stoves worth Rs43.78 million and 41,229 infrared stoves worth Rs87.54 million entered the market, a marked increase from the previous year. Importers such as Orchid Electricals have expanded shipments, moving from a few hundred units per container to as many as 6,000.

Prices for electric stoves have risen 15-20 percent, which traders attribute to higher transport costs and a stronger US dollar rather than manufacturing cost spikes. The government’s budget prioritises clean-cooking technologies, has eliminated the 1 % customs duty on electric stoves, and aims to provide electric or improved stoves to 250,000 households. Officials also urged consumers to curb electricity use as demand grows and the power grid ages.