LPG shortage: Refill delays while eateries shut and menus shrink, affecting homes, campuses and workplaces in Kerala

KOCHI/THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: An LPG shortage triggered by the ongoing Middle East conflict has begun affecting households, campuses, eateries and workplaces across Kerala, particularly in Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram.

Delayed cylinder refills and dwindling commercial LPG supplies have left educational institutions, businesses and residents struggling to meet basic cooking needs.

The shortage has prompted some firms in Infopark and Technopark to offer limited work-fromhome arrangements, primarily for employees facing difficulties due to disrupted food services. However, tech workers are calling on companies to extend the option more broadly until the LPG crisis is resolved.

Residents' associations in Kochi report growing anxiety among families dependent on LPG for daily cooking as refill waiing periods have increased sharply. Salim Kunnumpuram of the Thrikkakara Residents' Association Apex Council said the scarcity has also led to black-market sales.

“Our association has called an executive meeting to discuss the issue,” he said.

Educational institutions are also feeling the impact. At Cochin University of Science and Technology (Cusat), three of its 14 hostels have suspended operations, leaving around a thousand students without on-campus meals. With many nearby eateries also shut, students from distant regions face particular hardship.

“Students, particularly those from distant regions, are finding it increasingly difficult to arrange meals,” said Piyoosh EK, a student at Cusat.

The shortage has also forced closure of Cusat's Ramazan mess facility, prompting student organisations to request the university to temporarily shift classes online. At the College of Engineering Thiruvananthapuram (CET), hostel LPG stocks are expected to last only about five days.

“We have enough for now, but supplies will run out within a week. We haven’t taken any formal decision yet,” said hostel incharge Mithra DC. Schools in Ernakulam district are also struggling to sustain mid-day meal programmes.

The deputy director of education has issued a circular permitting temporary use of firewood—earlier banned on school premises—as a stopgap measure. “Many schools are facing a cylinder shortage, so we have temporarily permitted the use of firewood,” said Subin Paul, deputy director of education, Ernakulam. IT hubs are also feeling the strain.

At Infopark in Kochi, cafeterias and nearby restaurants have curtailed services for thousands of employees. The World Trade Center building informed staff via email that distributors are prioritising domestic cylinders and cafeteria menus may be limited to induction-based preparations.

“The LPG shortage has created serious operational challenges for hostels, restaurants and cafeterias near Infopark, disrupting food services for thousands of IT employees,” said Mahin Sha of Progressive Techies. At Technopark in Thiruvananthapuram, several campus cafeterias have shut. Food court operator Vineeth Sankar said a surge in demand after nearby restaurants closed quickly depleted available gas supplies.

Professionals in nearby paying guest accommodations are also affected, with many receiving reduced menus. Anusha T, an employee with an MNC, said around 70 women in her PG may have to return home if the situation worsens.

“Right now we are getting food with a limited menu,” she said.

The crisis has also hit Kochi's catering industry during the wedding season, with several caterers stopping new bookings due to the shortage of commercial LPG.

“Switching to firewood isn’t practical—we simply can’t meet deadlines,” said Rajesh Sadan, business development manager of Vinayaka Caterers. Responses vary across institutions. NIMS Medicity has switched to firewood for preparing meals for in-patients, while KIMSHEALTH is continuing operations after securing adequate LPG stock in advance, CEO Jerry Philip said.