“Our cooking staff is struggling with the physical toll of switching to inductions and traditional chulhas (wood-fired stoves) just to keep the kitchens open. Without regular LPG supply, we are somehow managing. The shortage is even affecting kitchens serving clinical research centres, where patients undergo medical trials and need a tailored diet,” she said.Caterers said the manpower situation had worsened after Holi, with several workers refusing to return from hometowns after hearing about the LPG shortage. Many kitchens are now functioning with fewer staff while trying to manage with alternative cooking arrangements.Dilip Gupta, vice-president of Mahratta Chamber of Commerce, Industries and Agriculture (MCCIA), Pune, said the shortage was affecting factory canteens across the industrial sector. “A large share of the country’s automobile component manufacturing is in Maharashtra, and Pune has a major contribution in that. Around 4,000 to 4,500 small and big manufacturing units in Pune employ hundreds of workers each. In several factories, 700–800 workers depend on company canteens for meals. If food cannot be prepared, the effect will be seen on attendance and production,” he said.Harsh Manoj Murarka, owner, Elite Stuff Catering, Baner, said, “The supply to some corporate clients has stopped as commercial cylinders are not available and the staff strength has reduced. Workers have gone back home due to lack of work. The business is almost down.”Ksshetij Shimpi, partner, The Corporate Catering Services, said, “If food services are disrupted, migrant workers may return home, which can affect industry and the local economy. Authorities should ensure priority supply for such essential services.”
