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Amid the supply crunch of liquified petroleum gas (LPG), several schools across the country have trimmed or cancelled their canteen food. This comes as the crucial ship movement has been halted at the Strait of Hormuz amid the ongoing war between Iran and the United States-Israel.
India imports 80% LPG, and it passes through a waterway between Iran and Oman.
On March 12, VIBGYOR High School in Mumbai's Malad East changed its menu for pre-primary school children due to shortage of LPG gas.
In a communication, it said, "Kindly note, bread butter jam sandwich will be provided in snacks to the learners tomorrow on Friday, 13 March 2026 instead of Idli Chatni due to shortage of LPG gas."
Over the weekend, the school communicated that it is making a temporary revision to its cafeteria menu is view of the LPG supply issue.
"We would like to inform you that due to the current shortage of LPG supply across the country, schools are required to use available gas resources more efficiently to ensure the smooth functioning of cafeteria services. In view of this, a temporary revision in the cafeteria menu will be implemented from 16th March to 20th March 2026. During this period, the cafeteria will serve a nutritious and balanced four-course meal consisting of a dal preparation, a rice preparation, a vegetable or paneer dish, and a salad. Please note that this is a temporary adjustment, introduced to ensure uninterrupted cafeteria operations while managing the current LPG supply situation efficiently," it said.
Another school in Mumbai — AM Naik school in Powai — has cancelled lunch service till March 18 amid the supply crunch.
It said, "While breakfast will be provided to students who have subscribed for the same, but the menu might vary. More importantly, we will not be able to serve lunch even to those who have subscribed for it. The situation may last till 18th March 2026."
A top Delhi school was also hit by the LPG supply disruptions.
A branch of Shri Ram School recently ran out of LPG cylinders used for its kitchen operations.
In an email to parents last week, the school said, "Namaste! This is to bring to your urgent attention that our caterer has informed us that he is unable to procure the required quantity of LPG to run the school's lunch and snacks programmes because of the shortage due to the ongoing West Asian war. We request you to keep alternate arrangements ready for your wards for next week unless the situation improves."
Shortage of cooking gas cylinders has affected midday meals in schools across the country. On March 11, the midday meal for around 1,500 students in West Bengal was cooked on traditional clay ovens using firewood after the school failed to receive gas supplies.
"We realised on Tuesday what might happen and prepared accordingly. But the supply of firewood is limited. It cannot continue like this for long, and the government needs to intervene," a school headmaster said.
In an upper primary school in Bolpur, authorities arranged wooden logs to cook for around 100 students, PTI reported.
India imports 80% LPG, and it passes through a waterway between Iran and Oman.
On March 12, VIBGYOR High School in Mumbai's Malad East changed its menu for pre-primary school children due to shortage of LPG gas.
In a communication, it said, "Kindly note, bread butter jam sandwich will be provided in snacks to the learners tomorrow on Friday, 13 March 2026 instead of Idli Chatni due to shortage of LPG gas."
Over the weekend, the school communicated that it is making a temporary revision to its cafeteria menu is view of the LPG supply issue.
"We would like to inform you that due to the current shortage of LPG supply across the country, schools are required to use available gas resources more efficiently to ensure the smooth functioning of cafeteria services. In view of this, a temporary revision in the cafeteria menu will be implemented from 16th March to 20th March 2026. During this period, the cafeteria will serve a nutritious and balanced four-course meal consisting of a dal preparation, a rice preparation, a vegetable or paneer dish, and a salad. Please note that this is a temporary adjustment, introduced to ensure uninterrupted cafeteria operations while managing the current LPG supply situation efficiently," it said.
Another school in Mumbai — AM Naik school in Powai — has cancelled lunch service till March 18 amid the supply crunch.
It said, "While breakfast will be provided to students who have subscribed for the same, but the menu might vary. More importantly, we will not be able to serve lunch even to those who have subscribed for it. The situation may last till 18th March 2026."
A top Delhi school was also hit by the LPG supply disruptions.
A branch of Shri Ram School recently ran out of LPG cylinders used for its kitchen operations.
In an email to parents last week, the school said, "Namaste! This is to bring to your urgent attention that our caterer has informed us that he is unable to procure the required quantity of LPG to run the school's lunch and snacks programmes because of the shortage due to the ongoing West Asian war. We request you to keep alternate arrangements ready for your wards for next week unless the situation improves."
Shortage of cooking gas cylinders has affected midday meals in schools across the country. On March 11, the midday meal for around 1,500 students in West Bengal was cooked on traditional clay ovens using firewood after the school failed to receive gas supplies.
"We realised on Tuesday what might happen and prepared accordingly. But the supply of firewood is limited. It cannot continue like this for long, and the government needs to intervene," a school headmaster said.
In an upper primary school in Bolpur, authorities arranged wooden logs to cook for around 100 students, PTI reported.
