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
LPG shortage sparks e-KYC rush The ongoing shortage of LPG cylinders has triggered a surge in customers rushing to complete their e-KYC (Know Your Customer) verification at gas agencies, exacerbating the existing chaos. Many consumers fear they will be unable to book cylinders online once the current lock-in period ends, as e-KYC is a mandatory requirement for online bookings. Agency owners have reported that deliveries are being prioritized for those who have already completed the process, ensuring that genuine users are not left without gas. A local agency owner stated, "LPG cylinders still reach those e-KYC customers who’ve got their delivery codes," adding that these deliveries are being prioritized to prevent hardship for legitimate users. Despite the efforts, the situation remains tense, with customers struggling to secure cylinders due to limited supply. The government has urged citizens to avoid hoarding and instead opt for PNG (Piped Natural Gas) as an alternative, emphasizing that the supply chain is being managed to ensure uninterrupted fuel availability nationwide. The shortage has also led to a noticeable shift in consumer behavior. Small traders and households are increasingly switching to coal stoves due to the scarcity of commercial cylinders, which has driven up coal prices. A local trader noted that the cost of one quintal of coal has risen to Rs 1,950, up from Rs 1,750, reflecting the growing impact of the crisis on daily life. District authorities have claimed there is no shortage of LPG, but customers continue to flock to distributorship offices, often facing missed calls and IVRS (Interactive Voice Response System) issues. Those who booked cylinders between March 5 and 8 are still waiting for deliveries, with agencies working to clear the backlog.#lpg_shortage #e_kyc_verification #district_authorities #oil_companies #cooking_gas_supply
8th Pay Commission and LPG Shortage Impact on Restaurants The Indian government is facing questions about whether it will establish a separate pay revision committee for approximately 8 lakh Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSE) employees. Minister of State Pankaj Chaudhary addressed these concerns, stating that the government is reviewing the matter but has not yet made a final decision. The 8th Pay Commission, which has been a topic of discussion for years, remains a critical issue for public sector workers, with calls for timely resolution to address salary disparities and inflationary pressures. Meanwhile, the ongoing LPG shortage in India has led to a significant decline in orders for food delivery platforms Zomato and Swiggy. Thousands of restaurants across the country have temporarily halted operations due to the shortage of liquefied petroleum gas, which is essential for cooking. This disruption has affected both restaurant owners and delivery services, with many customers reporting delays or unavailability of their favorite dishes. The situation has raised concerns about the impact on the hospitality sector, particularly during peak hours and festive seasons. The LPG shortage has also spilled over into other areas, including hotels and street vendors, who rely on the fuel for daily operations. Industry experts have called for urgent government intervention to stabilize the supply chain and prevent further economic losses. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has been urged to expedite the release of LPG quotas to ensure uninterrupted supply. The dual challenges of the pay commission and the LPG crisis highlight the interconnected nature of economic and social issues in India.#pankaj_chaudhary #swiggy #8th_pay_commission #zomato #lpg_shortage
