LPG Shortage: Delhi HC canteen halts main meals while cylinder crisis triggers long queues at several gas agencies

The Lawyers’ Canteen at the Delhi High Court has temporarily stopped preparing and serving main course meals due to a shortage of LPG gas cylinders, according to a notice issued by the canteen management.

The disruption has affected the kitchen’s ability to cook regular meals, leaving advocates and visitors dependent on limited food options until the supply of cooking gas resumes.

Read more: LPG crisis in India

Delhi High Court Lawyers’ Canteen Halts Main Meals Due to LPG Shortage

In a notice issued by canteen representative Sandeep Sharma, the management informed the Hon’ble Secretary of the court and all advocates that the kitchen is currently unable to cook main course items because of the lack of LPG cylinders.

The notice also stated that the canteen has no clarity at present on when the LPG supply will be restored. Normal meal preparation will resume only after the gas supply becomes available again.

Also Read: Not just LPG cylinder shortage, Induction cooktops also going 'out of stock' on Blinkit, Zepto, and Instamart amid Iran-Israel war

Delhi High Court Lawyers’ Canteen Continues to Serve Limited Food Options

Despite the disruption, the Lawyers’ Canteen clarified that certain food items will still be available.

These include refreshments that do not require LPG-based cooking, such as:

• Sandwiches
• Salads
• Fruit chaat
• Other ready-to-serve snacks

The canteen management expressed regret for the inconvenience caused and requested understanding and cooperation from advocates and visitors during the temporary disruption.

LPG Price Hike Adds to Concerns Over Supply

The issue comes shortly after the Central government announced a Rs 60 increase in cooking LPG cylinder prices on March 7.

Following the hike, non-subsidised LPG cylinder prices stand at:

• Rs 913 in Delhi
• Rs 939 in Kolkata
• Rs 912 in Mumbai
• Rs 928 in Chennai

The variation in prices across cities is due to different state-level taxes.

LPG Shortage Sparks Long Queues in Several States

Reports of LPG supply disruption have also led to long queues at gas agencies in several regions.

In parts of Uttar Pradesh, consumers were seen lining up from early morning to obtain fresh cylinders for household cooking.

One consumer, Ajay Nishad, said the stressful situation had been continuing for around ten days. According to him, nearly 400 to 500 people have been waiting outside gas agencies to secure LPG refills.

Government Introduces New 25-Day Gap for LPG Refill Bookings

Amid supply concerns, the Union government has introduced a new rule mandating a 25-day interval between domestic LPG refill bookings.

Officials say the measure is intended to ensure fair distribution and prevent panic buying during the current supply constraints.

Global Energy Disruptions Linked to West Asia Conflict

The LPG shortage has emerged in the backdrop of global energy supply disruptions caused by the ongoing conflict in West Asia.

In response, the government has invoked the Essential Commodities Act to prioritise domestic LPG distribution.

Under this system, higher allocations are being reserved for:

• Households
• Hospitals
• Essential services

Meanwhile, commercial distribution in some sectors has been restricted.

India Monitoring Energy Supply Amid Strait of Hormuz Dependence

According to officials, India imports roughly 30 per cent of its natural gas through routes linked to the Strait of Hormuz, making the country vulnerable to disruptions caused by geopolitical tensions.

To manage the situation, the government has established a priority-based gas distribution framework. Domestic piped gas for households and CNG for vehicles will receive full supply, while other sectors may face calibrated limits based on their previous consumption levels.

Authorities say the measures aim to ensure that essential services and households continue to receive uninterrupted energy supplies during the current global uncertainty.

Inputs from agencies