By Admin 
LPG Crisis: The impact of the LPG supply crisis in the country is now directly visible on the kitchen and consumer behaviour. Amidst the uncertain availability of gas cylinders, people are increasingly inclined towards ready-to-eat and packaged food. According to e-commerce giant Amazon India, categories like instant noodles, packaged meals, snacks and beverages have registered a growth of more than 15 percent on its platform.
The company says that this trend is not limited to big metros only, but is clearly visible in cities like Hyderabad, Kolkata and Chennai as well as Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities like Sonipat and Panaji. An Amazon India spokesperson said, “Over the past few weeks, we have seen a steady increase in demand for ready-to-consume meal solutions that take very little time to prepare. Categories like instant noodles, packaged meals, snacks and beverages are registering more than 15 per cent growth on Amazon.in.”
Trend increased due to quick commerce
The biggest impact of this change has been seen on Amazon’s quick commerce service ‘Amazon Now’. Here the sales of ready-to-eat and packaged food have increased by about 20 percent month-on-month. Especially in some areas of Delhi-NCR, Mumbai and Bengaluru, customers are increasingly dependent on fast delivery options.
However, this change is not limited to instant shopping only. According to Amazon, people are still making planned purchases of essential groceries like staples, cooking oil, dry fruits and beverages. That is, a balance of ‘instant convenience’ and ‘necessary stocking’ is being seen simultaneously in consumer behaviour.
Keeping this trend in mind, Amazon India has launched ‘Ready to Eat Store’, where ready food options from different brands have been made available at one place.
Major reason for LPG crisis
In fact, the increasing tension in West Asia and disruptions in the supply chain are considered to be the main reasons behind this entire trend. According to preliminary industry data, LPG consumption in India fell by 17.7 percent in the first fortnight of March. The total consumption during this period was 1.147 million tonnes, which is 17.3 percent less than the same time last year and 26.3 percent less than the first fortnight of February.
India imports about 60 percent of its LPG requirements, a large part of which passes through the Strait of Hormuz. Iran’s response to US and Israeli attacks effectively disrupted this route, affecting supplies.
Government’s assurance
Meanwhile, the Central Government has taken steps to provide relief to domestic consumers. Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, said, “The situation remains a matter of concern, but we are providing supplies to domestic consumers as before.”
He said that refineries have been instructed to increase domestic production and give it priority for home kitchens. In the initial phase, LPG supply was reduced for commercial use like hotels and restaurants, which was later restored to about one-fifth of the normal consumption.
Changing consumer trends
Analysts believe that if the LPG supply crisis continues for a long time, this trend of ready-to-eat and instant food may further accelerate. This will not only affect the business model of e-commerce companies, but there may also be a permanent change in the eating habits in the country. At present, amidst the gas crisis and kitchen challenges, ‘instant convenience’ seems to be the new support for consumers.
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