LPG Shortage Forces Delhi High Court Lawyers’ Canteen to Stop Cooked Meals

The functioning of the lawyers’ canteen inside the Delhi High Court has been affected after a shortage of LPG cylinders forced the management to temporarily stop serving cooked main-course meals. The disruption has created inconvenience for lawyers, court staff, and visitors who rely on the canteen during working hours.

According to a notice issued by canteen representative Sandeep Sharma, the kitchen has run out of LPG cylinders required for cooking. As a result, the canteen has been unable to prepare and serve regular cooked meals. The notice was addressed to the Hon’ble Secretary of the Court and members of the Bar.

The management clarified that the situation is beyond its control and is directly linked to the ongoing shortage in LPG supply. The notice also stated that the canteen authorities currently have no clear information on when the gas supply will resume and normal food services can be restored.

Until the supply of LPG cylinders is restored, the canteen will not serve items that require cooking. This has led to the suspension of the regular main-course menu which typically includes cooked meals for advocates and other visitors at the court premises.

However, the canteen will continue to offer food items that do not require LPG for preparation. These include sandwiches, salads, fruit chaat, and beverages. The management stated that such items will remain available so that visitors still have access to some basic refreshments during court hours.

The canteen administration also expressed regret over the inconvenience caused to advocates, court staff, and visitors. It requested cooperation and understanding from everyone until the LPG supply situation improves and normal kitchen operations resume.

The shortage appears to be linked to wider disruptions in the supply of liquefied petroleum gas across the country. Earlier, the Central Government had announced a ₹60 increase in the price of LPG cylinders on March 7 amid ongoing tensions and supply disruptions in West Asia.

Following the price revision, the cost of non-subsidised LPG cylinders in major cities has risen. In Delhi, the price now stands at ₹913, while Kolkata has reached ₹939. In Mumbai, the price is ₹912, and in Chennai it is ₹928. Differences in pricing largely depend on state-level taxes.

Reports suggest that the ongoing conflict in West Asia has disrupted global energy supply chains, leading to shortages and logistical challenges in LPG distribution. India imports a significant portion of its natural gas through the Strait of Hormuz, which has been affected by the regional conflict.

In response, the Central Government has invoked provisions under the Essential Commodities Act to prioritise LPG distribution. Under the new system, supply is being directed first to households, hospitals, and essential services, while commercial users may face restrictions during the shortage.

Officials from the Ministry of Petroleum have stated that these measures aim to stabilise the supply system and ensure that essential domestic and public services receive uninterrupted gas availability.