India’s major IT hubs are witnessing operational adjustments as a shortage of commercial LPG begins to affect workplace services. Technology companies such as Infosys, HCLTech, and Cognizant have started advising employees on alternative arrangements, including bringing food from home and opting for hybrid work in certain cases.
The disruption follows a government directive prioritising LPG supply for households, which has led to reduced availability of commercial gas used by cafeteria vendors and other service providers in corporate campuses.
According to an internal assessment reviewed by The Times of India, Cognizant informed staff that while there is no immediate disruption to operations, the company is preparing for what it described as a ‘prolonged stress environment’ affecting food and fuel services. To reduce reliance on gas-based cooking, employees have been encouraged to adopt a “Bring Your Own Food” (BYOF) approach wherever possible.
The company is also exploring alternative food service options, including vendors using induction or solar-based cooking methods. In addition, it is evaluating partnerships with cloud kitchens that operate on electric power to maintain food supply on campuses.
Infosys has also issued advisories to employees in Bengaluru, Pune, and Chennai. The company informed staff that food court operations would be adjusted starting March 12. Internal communication indicated that certain services, including live food counters, would be withdrawn due to constraints linked to commercial LPG availability.
In Pune, Infosys is arranging cooked meals through external central kitchens while increasing the use of electrical appliances and biofuel-based cooking systems. Employees have also been asked to avoid organising events on campus that require catering services.
Meanwhile, HCLTech has taken additional measures at its Chennai campus. Reports indicate that the company advised employees to work from home on March 12 and 13 after several cafeteria vendors were unable to operate because of the LPG shortage.
The fuel crunch has prompted wider contingency planning across the sector. Companies are exploring hybrid work arrangements for select roles and assessing alternatives such as electric vehicles for employee transport to reduce reliance on conventional fuel sources.
