Gas shortages push Nepali households towards electric stoves
Summary
Repeated cooking gas shortages are driving Nepali households toward electric stoves, boosting imports of induction, infrared and rice cooker appliances. Traders say demand is rising fast, while the government is promoting clean cooking and electricity-saving habits.
Key Points
- Imports of induction stoves, infrared stoves and rice cookers have risen sharply in Nepal in the first two months of the fiscal year as cooking gas shortages persist.
- Traders say demand has increased because of gas shortages, government support for electric cooking and consumers’ search for more convenient options.
- The government has removed customs duty on electric stoves and set a target to expand electric and improved stoves to 250,000 households.
- Energy Minister Biraj Bhakta Shrestha urged consumers to use electricity only when necessary as demand grows and the power distribution system remains old.
