Induction cooktops bought during the LPG shortage

I wonder how many #Induction cooktops bought during the current #LPG shortage will still be used a few weeks from now!

My guess?
Most will quietly move to the store room.
If you open your cupboards, you’ll probably find many such items we bought during panic phases.

Remember the oximeter during #COVID?
Almost every household bought one.
How many times have we used it in the last 3–4 years?
Many people also stocked up on medicines, only to throw them away later after they expired!

Which raises an interesting question: Why do we hoard during crises?
One reason is information asymmetry.
People often trust #WhatsAppUniversity more than official communication.
To be fair, the common man’s skepticism isn’t entirely misplaced.
There have been many situations in the past where governments reacted too late, and people were left to fend for themselves.
So individuals try to be safe rather than sorry.

But there is a simple way to reduce panic. #Transparency.
In the current LPG situation, imagine if the government regularly published data online:
• Reserves in terms of the number of cylinders currently in circulation
• Average delivery time across Pincodes
When people see #data, panic usually reduces.
The other important step is acting against #misinformation. Instead of talking, take action. If some Influencers who were spreading wrong info were put behind bars, it would have set a strong example for everyone!

Clear communication + strong action against misinformation can prevent unnecessary panic buying.

Coming back to induction cooktops…
My prediction is that most households will go back to LPG once supply normalizes.
#Habit plays a big role.
And there’s another practical reason: #electricity costs.
Many states offer free electricity up to certain limits.
Induction cooking can easily push #households beyond those thresholds, and one needs to pay the complete bill!
When that happens, people will ditch the induction cooktop and will quietly find it resting in the cupboard.

Do you see any other option here?