As LPG worries mount, govt tweaks plans for induction cooktops; here's what changed

The government on Monday deferred the implementation of mandatory star labelling norms for induction cooktops by six months to January 1, 2027, to boost electric cooking in the country.

The Ministry of Power, in a gazette notification, said the mandatory phase of star rating for countertop induction hobs, which was earlier scheduled to come into force from July 1, 2026, has been postponed by six months.

The notification, issued under the Energy Conservation Act, 2001, stated that the decision was taken in consultation with the Bureau of Energy Efficiency.

“In the said notification… for the word, figures and letters ‘1st July, 2026’, the word, figures and letters ‘1st January, 2027’ shall be substituted,” it said.

The earlier norms had prescribed energy consumption standards and star labelling requirements for induction hobs as part of efforts to improve energy efficiency.

The development assumes significance in view of the ongoing West Asia crisis, which has disrupted the movement of ships carrying oil and gas through the Strait of Hormuz, raising concerns over cooking gas supplies in India.

Sales of induction cooktops and electric kettles have surged in the wake of cooking gas supply concerns due to the war in West Asia, according to industry players.

The government last week also held discussions on measures to encourage companies to ramp up production of induction heaters and compatible utensils to meet the rising demand.

A meeting chaired by Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, attended by senior officials including Power Secretary Pankaj Agarwal, DGFT Lav Agarwal and DPIIT Secretary Amardeep Singh Bhatia, reviewed ways to speed up manufacturing of induction-based cooking appliances.

“We discussed how we can speed up and increase the production of induction heaters and vessels that go on those heaters,” an official said, adding that these products are currently “selling like hot cakes” in the market.