The ripple effects of the ongoing tensions in West Asia involving Israel, Iran and the US are now being felt far from the war zone, with employees at Pune’s Hinjewadi IT Park facing unexpected difficulties
in accessing food at their workplaces.
A disruption in the supply of commercial LPG cylinders has begun affecting operations across several company campuses in the IT hub. Cafeterias and food courts that usually serve thousands of employees every day are struggling to function normally as LPG gas cylinder shortage has made large-scale food preparation difficult.
Several companies have reportedly informed employees through internal emails that regular food services on campus may remain limited until the gas supply stabilises. In some cases, employees have been advised to bring lunch from home or make alternative meal arrangements.
The situation has become more challenging as many companies in Hinjewadi have recently implemented return-to-office policies, bringing a large number of employees back to campus after extended periods of remote work. With thousands of staff now commuting to offices daily, the disruption in cafeteria services has created logistical difficulties for many.
Typically, campus cafeterias and food courts prepare meals in bulk for employees throughout the day. However, with commercial LPG supply affected, several food vendors have either reduced their menus or temporarily halted operations.
Some companies are attempting to manage the situation by arranging food from external kitchens or vendors. However, such arrangements have not been feasible everywhere due to the scale of demand. Catering services for office events, meetings and corporate programmes have also been temporarily suspended in many offices.
The disruption is particularly affecting employees who have relocated to Pune from other states and live alone, many of whom rely heavily on office cafeterias for daily meals.
The issue has now become a major talking point among employees working in the IT park. Responding to the situation, the Forum for IT Employees has urged companies to consider reinstating work-from-home options until the LPG supply returns to normal.
According to the forum, if essential facilities such as food services remain disrupted, it may become difficult for employees to commute to offices regularly.
For now, both companies and employees in the IT hub are awaiting normalisation of the LPG supply. The ongoing fuel shortage is already impacting not only corporate campuses but also the city’s hospitality sector, with hotels and catering businesses reporting similar challenges.
