Asma Aftab, a resident of Manawan locality of Lahore, often faces a shortage of gas in her area, while in winters, gas is supplied for a very short time in the morning and afternoon, and its pressure is also low. She says some people in her neighborhood install compressors to increase the gas pressure, due to which the gas is directed to other houses and it becomes impossible for her to cook.

“I got fed up and bought an electric stove. We have a five-kilowatt solar system in our house. When we have to light the stove, we turn off all other electrical appliances, but at night we use only electricity provided by the Lahore Electric Supply Company (Lesco).”

It has been a month-and-a-half since Asma bought the electric stove and she seems satisfied with it. She says that she has become tired of the gas smell and long wait for it to cook food.

When asked how much is the cost of electricity used for running an electric stove, she says the monthly bill has increased by about Rs1,200.

“We use solar system during the day, but at night the water pump, iron and refrigerator run on electricity and the monthly bill is usually Rs4,000 to 5,000. This time, after using an electric stove, the bill is a little more than Rs6,000.”

From gas to electricity—a changing trend 

In the country, and especially in Lahore, the use of geysers to heat water during winters is common and gas is mostly used to run them. But now there is a change in this trend.

Muhammad Naeem, a resident of Mughalpura, says gas prices have increased and the pilot burner of his geyser used to be on all the time, which led to a heavy bill. Now he has installed an instant electric water heater (electric geyser), which is cheaper than a gas geyser. He says that if you set the thermostat of the electric geyser, the heater automatically turns off after the water has heated up to a certain level. When the water is used, it will turn on itself, meaning there is no waste of electricity.

Due to the prevalence of solar systems in Pakistan, the use and purchase of electrical appliances is also increasing, which are more environmentally-friendly than gas appliances.
GlobalData website stats also confirms that despite financial difficulties, the demand for energy-efficient home appliances is continuously increasing due to rising awareness among the Pakistani consumers and government initiatives.

Rise in use of electrical appliances 

This year (2024), the country’s home appliance market revenue was $5.61bn, while it is expected to grow by 0.74pc annually over the next five years, i.e. until 2029. The online market accounts for 25pc of the sales of these appliances.

According to this website, globally, China has earned $160 billion from home appliances this year.

Looking at the performance of international companies selling electrical appliances in Pakistan, Haier topped the market with a six percent share, Toshiba with five percent and Samsung with three percent. Although it is easier for women to cook on a gas stove, which cooks quickly on a high flame. However, due to gas shortage and high bills, the use of an alternative, namely electric stoves, is increasing.

Abid Market Lahore trader Mian Abdul Rehman says that currently there are two types of electric stoves available, one is an electric heater and the other is a desktop stove or induction cook-top. “The special feature of an induction stove is that if you touch it by mistake, it does not cause much damage.”

He says that electric and induction stoves take longer to heat and cool than gas stoves. In addition, non-stick utensils made of special metals are required for cooking on induction.

“People who only need to heat up prepared food mostly have portable and countertop appliances such as electric toaster ovens, air fryers and slow cookers. These are not only economical and environment-friendly, but are also easy to use.”

Another trader, Sheikh Muhammad Ibrahim, says that among household electrical appliances, there has been an increase in the sale of stoves, geysers, ovens and toasters. “Ovens and toasters are also bought by the middle class, while electric stoves and induction are mostly bought by the wealthy.”

He says that in many new residential areas of Lahore, Sui (natural) gas is not available and there people usually use liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) but due to increase in its price and environmental awareness, people now prefer electric stoves.

Ibrahim says he does not have an idea of the exact sales figures in the market but the sales of electric stoves, electric geysers and induction have increased by 10 to 15pc at his own shop during the last three months.

Heavy cost of electricity—a concern 

Zeenia Shaukat, director of the non-government organisation 'The Knowledge Forum', says that people in the subcontinent prefer food prepared on fire and their taste has developed this way but gas is becoming scarce and expensive. She says that in villages, people burn traditional fuels like wood, cow dung and crop residues but this is not possible in cities. On the other hand, electricity prices have increased by 155pc over three years.

She believes that the government is unable to provide a clear alternative plan. “Low-income families cannot even think of using electrical appliances. There are many areas where power loadshedding still occurs for several hours. In these circumstances, the government must come up with an effective and workable plan.”

However, some experts think that the use of electrical appliances has increased due to the government’s efforts to reduce electricity prices. It should be noted that the prime minister had announced a ‘winter package’ regarding electricity consumption last month.

According to National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra), under the winter package, the additional electricity price per unit for more electricity consumption compared to last year will be Rs26.7 paise. The period of this discount has been fixed for three months (December to February), which will be received by the consumers in the December bills.

Biomass stoves and eco-friendly appliances 

Some households in the country are also using cheap fuel—biomass, which is made by mixing dung and garbage, to cook food and heat water.

Muhammad Basharat manufactures biomass-powered stoves in Mughalpura locality of Lahore. He says that ‘biomass’ is an environment-friendly source of energy that can easily cook a meal for six people on a regular stove. He adds that a biomass stove does not emit smoke, does not require gas or much electricity. It uses a small compressor that can also be run from a power bank.

“If a family uses LPG worth Rs4,000 per month, their biomass stove will cost only Rs2,000 to Rs2,500. Now, even the food catering businesses are also using the same stove.”

Komal Tariq, the manager learning and communication at the think tank, Renewable First, working on energy and environment, believes that the use of gas, electricity or biofuel depends on the needs and budget of the consumers.

“However, it is certain that the smoke and carbon monoxide emitted from gas, oil or wood, etc. are poisonous to both our health and the environment, and if we want to get rid of them, we will have to increase the use of eco-friendly appliances.”

She says that the process of switching from gas to electric or induction stoves is not very complicated. Modern electric stoves have the same features as ordinary gas stoves.

According to Komal, the government is planning a scheme under which the gas supplied to domestic consumers will be given to independent power producers (IPPs), which will be cheaper for them than imported fuel.
“If the cost comes down, electricity consumers will also get cheaper prices."

 She believes that the people are moving towards using electric appliances due to environmental awareness and the hope of cheaper electricity in the future.

Experts’ opinions are there but market analysis suggests that the fear of high gas bills and the convenience of solar energy are pulling the citizens towards electric stoves and geysers.