E-Cooking Poised To Drive India's Next Clean Energy Transition, Says IEEFA Analysis

(MENAFN- KNN India) New Delhi, Dec 5 (KNN) India's clean cooking access has grown sharply in the last decade, while e-cooking trend has also been picking up on the back of 24x7 power availability in many households.

As per Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA), LPG connections doubled to 324 million and PNG households rose to 15.8 million between 2015 and 2025.

Access Grows, Consumption Lags

Despite wider access, actual consumption of LPG and PNG remains weak as high fuel prices force many low-income families to continue using solid fuels.

Nearly 40 percent of households still cook with firewood, dung or charcoal, even as PM Ujjwala Yojana has added 103 million LPG connections. Refill costs remain a key barrier even with the Rs 300 subsidy.

High Import Dependence Raises Costs

India imports 60 percent of its LPG and 50 percent of its gas, pushing the FY25 import bill to USD 26.4 billion, up 50 percent in six years.

Price spikes triggered by global disruptions have lifted LPG prices above Rs 1,000 and increased PNG tariffs by 70 percent in cities such as Delhi, forcing the government to restore subsidies.

E-Cooking Gains Traction

Electric cooking is emerging as a cheaper, more secure and cleaner alternative aligned with India's renewable energy push.

With half of India's power capacity now non-fossil and solar/wind generation steadily rising, analysts say e-cooking offers long-term affordability and reduced import exposure.

The estimates show PNG is 14 percent costlier than e-cooking in Delhi, while LPG becomes the most expensive option if subsidies are removed.

Cleaner, Safer and More Efficient

E-cooking eliminates indoor pollution caused by LPG/PNG combustion and avoids the need for dual fuel systems, an approach several countries are phasing out.

Barriers and the Way Forward

High appliance costs and patchy power supply remain challenges, but experts say targeted incentives, rooftop solar integration and clear policy signals could accelerate the shift.

Impact on MSMEs

A transition towards e-cooking could open new opportunities for MSMEs in the appliance manufacturing, electrical components, and renewable energy supply chains.

Lower dependence on imported LPG and PNG may also stabilise energy costs for food-processing and small catering businesses that rely heavily on cooking fuels

(KNN Bureau)

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