HCLTech Offers Work-From-Home to Chennai Staff as LPG Shortage Disrupts Office Cafeterias

The impact of the ongoing LPG supply shortage is now beginning to affect the corporate sector as well. IT major HCLTech has reportedly offered employees at its Chennai office the option to work from home on March 12 and 13 after cafeteria services were disrupted due to a lack of cooking gas.

According to media reports, several cafeteria vendors operating within the company’s campus were unable to continue food services because of the LPG supply crunch. Two senior executives familiar with the development told Mint that the company decided to allow staff to work remotely for two days to avoid inconvenience to employees who rely on office dining facilities.

The shortage has also affected restaurants and food service providers across the city. Many eateries and catering services have been forced to temporarily suspend operations as cooking gas supplies remain limited.

The LPG disruption is believed to be part of a broader ripple effect impacting businesses amid volatility in global energy markets. Rising tensions and uncertainty linked to the geopolitical situation involving the United States, Israel, and Iran have contributed to supply concerns and price fluctuations in the energy sector.

Meanwhile, the sales of induction cooktops have surged across Delhi-NCR as households look for backup cooking options. Retailers say demand has jumped sharply in recent days, with several models going out of stock on e-commerce platforms such as Amazon and Flipkart. Local appliance markets are also seeing increased footfall, with many buyers purchasing induction cooktops as a precaution. Traders say most customers still rely on LPG but want an alternative ready at home. Industry observers note that such buying is largely precautionary, driven by uncertainty rather than an actual supply shortage.