LPG Shortage Hits Railways; IRCTC Tells Vendors to Use Induction, Microwaves

West Asia Tensions Trigger LPG Shortage; IRCTC Orders Alternative Cooking Methods for Railway Vendors

Amid growing concerns over a possible LPG supply disruption, the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has directed its catering partners across railway stations to adopt alternative cooking methods. The advisory comes as global energy supply chains face uncertainty due to escalating tensions in West Asia, which have reportedly started affecting the availability of commercial LPG in India.

According to a circular dated March 10 that has surfaced online, IRCTC has instructed all catering units operating at railway stations—such as Food Plazas, Refreshment Rooms (RR), and Jan Ahaars—to gradually shift away from LPG-based cooking wherever possible. Vendors have been advised to adopt electric cooking alternatives including induction cooktops, microwave ovens, and other electric appliances to ensure uninterrupted food preparation.

The move is aimed at preventing any disruption in passenger services if LPG supplies become irregular. IRCTC officials have also asked catering units to maintain sufficient food stocks and keep backup arrangements ready to deal with any sudden shortage of cooking gas.

Railway catering services play a critical role in providing meals to millions of passengers travelling across the vast Indian Railways network every day. Most meals served on trains are prepared at dedicated IRCTC base kitchens and then supplied to trains and station outlets. Any disruption in LPG availability could therefore directly affect meal preparation and the supply chain.

A railway official explained the potential impact of the shortage, stating that if LPG supplies are affected, the ability of base kitchens to cook meals for passengers could be severely disrupted. In such a scenario, the railway catering system would need to rely heavily on alternative cooking methods and ready-made food options.

To address this risk, IRCTC has also advised vendors to maintain adequate inventories of Ready-to-Eat (RTE) food products that can be served to passengers without extensive cooking. These items could help ensure that passengers still receive food services even if cooking operations are temporarily reduced.

Reports also suggest that IRCTC is considering a contingency plan in which cooked meal services on certain trains may be temporarily suspended if LPG shortages worsen. In such cases, passengers who have pre-booked meals along with their train tickets may receive refunds or be provided with alternative packaged food options.

The advisory from IRCTC comes at a time when the hospitality and food service sectors across India are already raising concerns about the availability of commercial LPG cylinders. Restaurants, caterers, and street food vendors in several states have reported difficulties in obtaining gas supplies in recent days.

However, the government has assured that domestic LPG consumers will not face any shortage. Earlier this week, Hardeep Singh Puri, India’s Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas, stated that the country has adequate energy reserves and that household LPG supplies remain secure despite the ongoing geopolitical tensions in West Asia.

Nevertheless, the situation has prompted organisations like IRCTC to prepare contingency measures to ensure that passenger services continue smoothly. By encouraging the use of electric cooking appliances and ready-to-eat food options, the railway catering body aims to minimize disruption and maintain food availability for passengers travelling across the country.