Indian Railway Catering Adjusts Food Services Amid LPG Crisis
Indian Railway Catering has instructed railway stations to switch cookers and maintain food supplies amid a growing LPG cylinder shortage. The situation could lead to closures for major establishments and is being reviewed by the Petroleum Ministry.
Highlights
- •IRCTC instructs railway stations to switch to microwave and induction cookers
- •Catering units are asked to maintain adequate stocks of prepared foods
- •Hotels and restaurants in Chennai declare a holiday due to LPG cylinder shortage
- •Petroleum Ministry forms a committee to address the supply crisis
New Delhi: The ongoing turmoil between the US, Israel, and Iran has escalated beyond its borders, impacting India's daily life and infrastructure.
Gas shortages are now pervasive in India, leading to significant inconveniences for residents. Among these concerns is a potential shortage of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG). The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has issued a major directive to address the issue while mitigating potential disruptions to passenger services.
IRCTC has instructed catering units at all railway stations in the Western Region to switch to microwave and induction cookers, thus ensuring a steady supply of ready-to-eat food. Additionally, these establishments are mandated to maintain adequate stocks of prepared foods, alongside standard packaged and cooked foods, to meet passenger demand.
The crisis is escalating rapidly, with hotels and restaurants in parts of Chennai and Tamil Nadu declaring a holiday as a response to the shortage of commercial LPG cylinders. This situation is prompting concerns that more establishments could face operational closure in major cities if the crisis does not resolve.
To alleviate the situation, the Petroleum Ministry has formed a committee to review supply-related issues and address the complaints of shortages of commercial LPG cylinders across major cities.
