An intense and unexpected cold spell has gripped Kolkata, sending residents scrambling for warmth and causing a severe shortage of room heaters across the city's electronics markets. With the mercury plunging to around 10 degrees Celsius this week, marking the coldest January day in 12 years, the demand for heating appliances has skyrocketed, leaving shop shelves bare and prices inflated.
Shops Run Dry as Demand Skyrockets
The sudden dip in temperature has caught both the public and retailers off guard. Managers at several reputed electronics showrooms confirmed they have completely run out of room heater stock over the past two days. The manager of a well-known showroom in Salt Lake stated that new stock is expected only after two or three days, leaving many customers empty-handed despite repeated inquiries.
Shop owners across the city report an unprecedented surge in demand not seen in many years. Sunil Rathi, who runs an electronics shop on Ezra Street, expressed surprise at the rush, noting that such a severe and prolonged cold wave is a rare occurrence for Kolkata. The scarcity has created a classic supply-demand crisis, directly impacting prices.
Prices Climb Amidst Supply Crunch
With low supply and soaring demand, the cost of room heaters has witnessed a sharp increase. Snehasish Ghosh, the owner of an electronics shop in north Kolkata, provided a clear example: some branded room heaters that were priced at Rs 1,800 are now selling for Rs 2,200. On average, heaters and blowers typically range from Rs 1,000 to Rs 2,000, but this range is now being breached.
Retailers are also advising customers to opt for branded products over local alternatives due to safety concerns. Ghosh explained that heaters pose a fire risk, especially if something falls on them during sleep, and branded units come with essential warranties that local brands often lack.
Residents Adapt with Woollens as Heaters Disappear
Faced with the unavailability of room heaters, Kolkatans are finding alternative ways to stay warm. Residents like Sabyasachi Dutta have turned to purchasing additional blankets to combat the drastic temperature drop after failing to find a heater in the market. This shift highlights how the city is adapting to the unusual weather conditions, relying on traditional woollens in the absence of modern appliances.
The situation underscores how extreme weather events can swiftly disrupt local markets and consumer behavior. As Kolkata continues to experience this chilly phase, the wait for fresh stocks of room heaters continues, with residents hoping for warmer days or the arrival of their ordered heaters soon.
