Electric Cooking
Electric Cooking: Pakistan faces pressure due to global gas problems. Conflicts disrupt gas supplies through key routes. Qatar, a major supplier, has reduced exports. Pakistan depends heavily on imported gas, so households face risks.
Gas Shortage
Pakistan’s gas shortage started years ago. Local gas reserves have been declining. In 2021, the government stopped new gas connections. Many people then used expensive LPG or traditional fuels like wood. The government later lifted the ban, but many areas still lack gas lines. This shows piped gas is no longer guaranteed. Many homes may need electric stoves if shortages continue.
Electric Rise
Cooking methods remain unequal. Many rural households use wood or open fires. Fewer households use clean fuels like gas or LPG. The gas crisis may worsen this gap.
Electric cooking is gaining attention. It cannot replace gas quickly, but conditions are changing. Pakistan has improved its readiness. Solar energy is also growing fast. Electric stoves are becoming more available. Stores and online platforms now sell them widely. Some sellers offer instalment plans. More urban households are considering this option.
Unequal Access
Other South Asian countries are also shifting. Gas shortages push people toward electric cooking. Governments support this shift with policies and incentives. Pakistan may follow the same path.
The shift will not be easy for everyone. Wealthier urban households can adapt more easily. Many already use solar panels. Poorer families and rural communities face more challenges.
Energy Opportunity
Electricity already costs a lot for many households. A full shift may increase inequality. The government must take action. It should offer support, fair pricing, and safety rules.
Pakistan’s gas crisis also creates opportunity. It can push the country toward a stronger energy system. Electric cooking will not solve everything, but it offers a clear path forward.
Published in Dawn, 8th April 2026
