Demand for Electric Stoves Surges in Nepal Amid West Asian Tensions and Fuel Scarcity Fears

Kathmandu. Consumers are increasingly turning to electric stoves following the recent tensions caused by conflicts in West Asian nations, which have led to shortages of petroleum products and cooking LPG gas.

According to the Department of Customs, 147,864 electric stoves of various types were imported into Nepal during the first eight months (from Shrawan to the end of Falgun) of the current fiscal year 2082-83.

Induction stoves show the highest demand among these. Data indicates that 104,717 induction stoves entered Nepal during that period. The import of infrared stoves is also significant, with 42,218 units imported. Only 929 other types of electric stoves, excluding induction and infrared, were imported.

From an economic perspective, a large amount of money has been spent on importing these stoves. The total value of the stoves imported during the eight-month period reached NPR 304.12 million. Of this, induction stoves alone accounted for NPR 222.74 million, while infrared stoves were valued at NPR 76.707 million.

Kiran Shrestha, who deals in wholesale electrical equipment in Mahabouddha, Kathmandu, stated that while sales of such electric stoves occur at other times, sales have increased by 50 to 70 percent under the current circumstances.

He mentioned that while they have sold these items before, the current demand for induction and infrared stoves has increased, possibly due to fears of gas shortages in the market.

The department also reported that the government collected NPR 43.307 million in revenue from the import of these electric stoves.