Infosys Canteens Run Limited Menus as LPG Supply Tightens

Infosys has warned employees in Pune, Bengaluru and Chennai that office canteens will temporarily operate with limited menus as commercial LPG supplies tighten across India. The company informed staff that vendors on these campuses are adjusting operations by shifting some cooking to external central kitchens and increasing the use of electric and biofuel-based equipment.

The disruption comes as energy supply chains face pressure linked to tensions in West Asia, which have raised concerns about the movement of oil and gas shipments through the Strait of Hormuz - a key route for global energy trade.

Canteen Services Scaled Back Across Campuses

In an internal email sent to employees, the company explained that food court vendors are currently receiving reduced LPG supplies from their providers, forcing them to temporarily scale down on-site cooking.

The message noted that live cooking counters, including popular items such as dosa and omelette stations, would be paused for the time being because these require continuous LPG use. Some cooked food will now be prepared in vendors' central kitchens outside the campuses and then transported to office cafeterias.

At the Infosys campus in Chennai, staff were informed that certain dishes may not be available for some time or may be served in limited quantities. Similar adjustments are being made in Bengaluru and Pune as canteen partners try to maintain basic food services despite the supply constraints.

Employees have also been advised not to plan office events requiring catering during this period. Many teams have been encouraged to carry home-cooked meals until normal LPG supply is restored.

IT Employees Call for Work-From-Home Flexibility

The development triggered a response from the Forum for IT Employees Maharashtra (FITE), which raised concerns about the impact of reduced canteen services on employees required to attend offices under strict return-to-office policies.

The group suggested that companies should consider temporary work-from-home arrangements while the LPG supply disruption continues, arguing that employees should not be forced to depend on limited cafeteria services when basic facilities are affected.

According to the forum, thousands of workers continue to commute daily even as office food options shrink due to the gas shortage.

West Asia Tensions Affect Energy Logistics

Officials say the LPG supply disruption is linked to broader geopolitical tensions in West Asia that could affect shipping routes around the Strait of Hormuz. The channel carries a significant share of the world's crude oil and LPG shipments, making it critical for India's energy imports.

Despite the concerns, the government has stated that India's crude supply remains secure and that alternative shipments have been arranged to ensure stable availability.

Officials highlighted the country's dependence on global energy markets:

India's daily crude consumption: about 55 lakh barrels

Share of crude imported: nearly 60%

Imports normally passing through the Strait of Hormuz: around 90%

Because of these dynamics, authorities are currently prioritising household LPG supplies, which has indirectly affected commercial users such as large corporate campuses and food service vendors.

Temporary Adjustments Until Supplies Stabilise

For now, companies like Infosys are adapting their operations while the LPG supply chain stabilises. The shift toward external kitchens, electric appliances and biofuel-based cooking is intended to keep cafeterias running at a basic level.

Until supplies improve, employees across major Infosys campuses may have to adjust to fewer food choices, smaller portions of popular dishes and a greater reliance on meals brought from home.

The situation has also reignited discussions within the IT sector about flexible work policies during disruptions that affect everyday office facilities.