57 Per Cent Households Revert to Chulhas and Kerosene as LPG Stress Deepens: Worldpanel Report

Delays in liquified petroleum gas (LPG) cylinder deliveries and rising refill costs have started to impact household food budgets and habits across the country. According to a study by Worldpanel by Numerator (formerly Kantar), the disruptions have led to significant changes in Indian households. As a part of the study, 3,600 households were surveyed by Worldpanel to decode how disruptions in cooking gas supply are changing consumer spending patterns.

LPG Delays Trigger Behavioural Changes

Nearly eight in 10 households reported difficulties related to LPG availability. About 37 per cent of the households surveyed said that cylinders are taking longer than usual to arrive, while 42 per cent described the process of getting a cylinder as “very difficult”.

As supply issues continue, many families are reducing LPG consumption and relying more on traditional fuel sources. Around 57 per cent households said that they have started using wood, chulhas or kerosene as backup options.

Cooking habits in households are also changing. More than one-fourth of households said they are avoiding dishes that take longer to cook or preparing fewer dishes in a day.

Many families are also cutting down on smaller but frequent gas-consuming activities such as boiling water, heating milk, and making tea or coffee several times a day. Around 25 per cent households said they have reduced such activities to conserve LPG.

Additionally, batch cooking is also becoming more common as households try to make cylinders last longer. Some families are also skipping certain cooking occasions altogether and choosing to spend on eating out and food delivery. However, households are still making every effort to control costs within their budgets.

Rising LPG Costs Add To Budget Pressure

Consumers are well aware of the increase in LPG prices. Nearly nine in 10 households have stated that they are aware of the rising LPG prices in recent months, while 74 per cent expect prices to rise further.

Although most households have not yet changed their FMCG purchases, concerns over future expenses are growing. About 57 per cent households said they are not planning to alter their FMCG buying patterns immediately.

At the same time, 34 per cent households said LPG-related stress is already affecting their overall household budget.

The findings suggest that LPG is no longer viewed only as a utility. Refilling costs and supply uncertainty are a growing financial worry for many households, particularly among lower-income families.

Impact On FMCG

FMCG consumption trends are also beginning to shift due to changes in food habits. As households seek to cut their fuel usage, simpler and quicker cooking methods are gaining popularity.

Households are switching to ready-to-cook products; snacks and food items with shorter cooking times are expected to become more popular if the LPG pressure continues to loom over India’s household budgets.

Consumers are also becoming more price-conscious, with greater focus on affordability, discounts and smaller pack sizes. While the immediate impact on overall FMCG demand remains limited, the shift in cooking and spending behaviour is beginning to reshape how households manage consumption and budgeting decisions. 

FAQs

1. Why are LPG cylinder deliveries getting delayed?
   Several cities have reported supply disruptions and longer delivery timelines in recent months. In parts of Chennai, households reportedly waited more than 25 days for LPG deliveries due to reduced truckloads, bottling plant delays and distribution bottlenecks.

2. How much does a domestic LPG cylinder cost now?
   A 14.2-kg domestic LPG cylinder currently costs around Rs 913 in Delhi, Rs 912.50 in Mumbai, Rs 939 in Kolkata and Rs 928.50 in Chennai. Prices were raised by Rs 60 in March 2026 following higher global energy costs.

3. Why are households switching back to chulhas and kerosene?
   About 57 per cent households surveyed by Worldpanel said they have started using wood, chulhas or kerosene because of LPG shortages and refill concerns. Around 37 per cent said cylinder deliveries are taking longer than usual.

4. Can rising LPG prices affect household budgets?
   Yes. Around 34 per cent households said LPG-related stress is affecting their overall household budget, while 74 per cent expect prices to rise further. Higher refill costs can reduce spending flexibility for groceries and daily essentials.