​​​​​​​New Delhi, March 11: The Delhi High Court lawyers' canteen has suspended its main course meals due to a shortage of LPG cylinders needed for cooking. As a result, advocates, court staff, and visitors will not be able to access regular cooked meals until further notice. The canteen management informed patrons via a notice on March 11, stating that the lack of cooking gas had made it impossible to prepare the usual dishes.

Uncertain Timeline for Gas Supply Restoration

The management has clarified that there is no set timeline for the restoration of LPG supplies. Normal meal services will resume once the cylinders are replenished. The notice expressed regret for the inconvenience caused to the legal community and court staff, who rely on the canteen for meals during court hours.

Alternative Food Options Available

While the canteen has temporarily halted cooked food preparation, it is continuing to serve light refreshments such as sandwiches, salads, fruit chaats, and other items that do not require gas for preparation. These options will remain available until the LPG situation is resolved.

Global LPG Supply Disruptions

The LPG shortage is reportedly linked to disruptions in global fuel supply chains, partly due to tensions in parts of West Asia, including conflicts involving the United States, Israel, and Iran. These geopolitical issues have impacted fuel logistics, contributing to shortages in certain regions.

In response to the situation, the Indian government has invoked the Essential Commodities Act to regulate the supply and distribution of natural gas. The LPG shortage is not isolated to the High Court canteen; cities such as Bengaluru and Chennai have also reported difficulties in obtaining commercial LPG cylinders.

Impact on Railway Catering

The LPG shortage is also affecting railway catering services. Officials from the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) have stated that disruptions at base kitchens, where meals for trains are prepared, are impacting food services on several long-distance routes. If the supply situation does not improve, the railways may temporarily suspend cooked meal services on trains, offering refunds to passengers who had pre-booked meals.