The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) canteen has begun using electric appliances for cooking as an alternative amid the ongoing shortage of commercial LPG cylinders, a situation linked to rising tensions in the Middle East. The development comes a day after the BMC Head Office Canteen Manager informed Free Press Journal that the kitchen was operating with a limited stock of cooking gas. Speaking to Indo-Asian News Service, canteen owner Ganesh explained that the facility previously had three electric stoves and has now ordered two more. However, certain dishes still need gas-based cooking, and around two LPG cylinders continue to be used daily for preparations that cannot be done on electric equipment.
Earlier, while speaking to Free Press Journal, BMC Head Office Canteen Manager Danny Biswas said the canteen currently possesses only a small reserve of cooking gas, which is likely to last for about two days. He stated that the issue had already been formally communicated to the labour department and that the canteen administration is waiting for an official response. Biswas also noted that the management had begun exploring alternative arrangements in anticipation of a prolonged supply problem. If fresh LPG cylinders are not delivered soon, the canteen may increasingly depend on electric cooking appliances to continue its daily operations without disruption.
Meanwhile, the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has also introduced emergency measures to manage the fuel shortage. The West Zone division has instructed all catering licensees to quickly adopt alternative cooking methods, particularly electric-based options such as microwaves and induction stoves. The directive applies to multiple railway catering facilities, including Food Plazas, Refreshment Rooms and Jan Ahaars operating across the network. These instructions aim to ensure uninterrupted food services for passengers while reducing reliance on LPG cylinders during the ongoing supply constraints affecting several parts of the country.
Amid concerns about shortages and long queues for cylinders reported from different regions, the central government has assured that LPG distribution is being carefully managed. On Wednesday, the Centre announced that supplies are currently being prioritised for domestic consumers and critical sectors. Addressing the media, Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary (Marketing & Oil Refinery) at the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, said that household usage is receiving the highest priority. She added that for non-domestic LPG, essential services such as hospitals and educational institutions are being given preference, while consultations are underway with state authorities and industry representatives to ensure fair and transparent distribution of available supplies.