Induction Cooktops Surge in Demand Amid LPG Shortage Nagpur: A sudden shortage of LPG cylinders in the city triggered an unprecedented rush for induction cooktops. Retail outlets and online platforms reported that the appliances were sold out or critically low in stock. A check by The Times of India across multiple quick commerce platforms showed induction cooktops were largely unavailable, with most listings marked as sold out and no clear restocking timeline. Similar scenes were reported at electronics stores, where customers enquired in large numbers and were placed on waiting lists. Retailers attributed the surge in demand to delays in LPG cylinder availability, prompting households to seek electric cooking alternatives. Induction cooktops, seen as an immediate and convenient substitute, disappeared from shelves as demand spiked over recent days. Santosh Taori, an electronics dealer, noted the pace of stock depletion was unprecedented. "Even at our stores, the stock is depleting as we speak. The demand surged nearly 25 times compared to normal days," he said. Taori added that the trend is not limited to Nagpur but is being witnessed nationwide. "Even our bulk suppliers are seeing very high demand. Fresh consignments are also getting booked quickly," he explained. The buying pattern also shifted, with customers purchasing multiple units. "People are coming in and buying one for current use and sometimes another as a backup. Many households are treating it as a safety measure until the LPG supply situation normalizes," Taori said. Shop owners reported continuous customer inquiries but limited stock. A resident of Mahal, Ashok Deo, shared that even on major e-commerce platforms, most induction cooktops were out of stock.#nagpur #the_times_of_india #santosh_taori #mahal #ashok_deo
Top Stocks to Buy: Stock Recommendations for March 16, 2026 Week Motilal Oswal Financial Services Ltd has recommended Coal India and State Bank of India (SBI) as the top stock picks for the week starting March 16, 2026. Coal India is highlighted for its strong position in the evolving global and domestic coal market. Rising liquefied natural gas (LNG) prices and constrained global gas supply are driving utilities to shift from gas-based power generation to coal, which is expected to boost coal demand and pricing. The recent rise in coal prices is beneficial for realizations, particularly in the e-auction segment, which typically offers higher margins compared to long-term fuel supply agreements. Additionally, India’s growing electricity demand and continued reliance on coal for baseload power are projected to sustain strong off-take from the power sector. Coal India’s low-cost production base, improving realizations from non-FSA and washed coal sales, and robust free cash flow generation support its resilient balance sheet and stable earnings outlook. State Bank of India is recommended for its strategic advantage in the credit market, with systemic loan growth exceeding 13% and management projecting strong credit growth ahead. The bank’s healthy retail, small and medium enterprise (SME), and corporate segments, combined with stable deposit funding and controlled repricing, are expected to drive a sustainable 14% loan compound annual growth rate (CAGR) over FY26–28. Margin resilience and operating leverage underpin a positive profitability outlook. Domestic net interest margins (NIMs) are targeted above 3%, with a stable cost-to-income trend. The bank also benefits from easing funding costs and improving fee income.#coal_india #e_auction #motilal_oswal_financial_services_ltd #state_bank_of_india #the_times_of_india
