The Indian government is weighing a reduction in customs duties on essential induction cooktop components to support domestic manufacturing and counter price rises triggered by the West Asia crisis.
Disruptions to shipping in the Strait of Hormuz have sparked fears over oil and gas supplies, leading to a surge in demand for induction heaters and compatible cookware. To ensure these items remain affordable, the commerce and industry ministry has recommended slashing the Goods and Services Tax (GST) on induction cooktops from 18 per cent to 5 per cent.
Regulatory relief for manufacturers
The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), alongside the Ministry of Power and the Department of Commerce, has held consultations to address supply challenges in the sector. Following these talks, the government has extended the deadline for mandatory quality control orders (QCO) and energy efficiency standards for certain electrical appliances by six months, until October 2026.
Fast-tracking gas infrastructure
To ensure fuel remains available, the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) has introduced several safety and administrative measures. DPIIT Joint Secretary Nidhi Kesarwani confirmed that 467 applications for Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and Compressed Biogas (CBG) stations were processed between 25 March and 21 April.
Of these, 157 final licences were granted, and 38 approvals were issued for the construction of new stations. Additionally, 41 biogas cylinder filling and storage plants have received approval since March, with 14 plants already receiving their licences.
Emergency storage and logistics easing
PESO has also implemented temporary relaxations for fuel storage and logistics to enhance flexibility during supply disruptions:
Kerosene: Storage limits for Superior Kerosene Oil have been temporarily relaxed for amounts up to 2,500 litres.
LPG and LNG: Permission has been granted for LPG unloading at Porbandar Jetty, and new guidelines allow for LNG to be filled in cryogenic cylinders to reach remote areas.
Infrastructure: A six-month exemption from approval requirements for CNG/CBG compressors has been granted to speed up the opening of new dispensing stations.
Long-term fuel strategies
Further initiatives aim to expand the reach of alternative fuels. Last month, the government issued guidelines for ‘District Pressure Regulating Skids’ at gas stations to overcome land shortages.
To boost production capacity, new rules issued on 2 April now permit night-time operations at LPG bottling plants, allowing for extended working hours to meet demand.
Read more at: https://english.mathrubhumi.com/news/india/india-gst-cut-induction-cooktops-fuel-policy-w3c5yei9
