LPG Crisis Disrupts IT Firms as Canteen Services Cut, Employees Told to Pack Lunches A severe shortage of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) has led to significant disruptions in the operations of major Indian IT firms, with companies like Infosys, TCS, Cognizant, and Wipro reducing or suspending canteen services. Employees are now being instructed to bring their own packed lunches, marking a shift from the usual convenience of office cafeterias. The crisis, attributed to the ongoing conflict in West Asia, has left many IT workers scrambling to adapt to the new norm, particularly those living in hostels or PGs where home cooking is not an option. The LPG shortage has forced companies to drastically cut food services, with some canteens operating only basic meals like dal and rice. For instance, Infosys’ Pune canteen committee advised employees to “carry their own tiffins” due to limited gas supplies, while TCS campuses in Pune and Bengaluru began serving only minimal options such as lemon rice and sandwiches. Cognizant’s Pune campus reportedly shut down live counters offering South Indian dishes and pulao, leaving only rice plates available. Similarly, Wipro’s Hinjewadi campus halted fast food and Chinese counters, relying solely on rice plates as vendors struggled with the gas crunch. The impact is most pronounced for employees without access to home cooking. Many IT workers, who often reside in PGs or hostels, rely on office canteens for meals. With canteens now serving only basic fare or operating at reduced capacity, thousands face the inconvenience of preparing their own food. Pavanjit Mane, President of the Forum for IT Employees Maharashtra, highlighted the plight of 2–3 lakh IT workers in Pune who depend entirely on canteens or eateries. He urged companies to consider allowing hybrid work arrangements until LPG supplies stabilize.#tcs #lpg_shortage #wipro #infosys #cognizant
