IRCTC may temporarily stop CO
 "Indian Railways")
IRCTC serves around 1.7 million meals daily on its nationwide network. Of this, the contribution of the western region is about 20 percent.
As India struggles to secure the supply of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) may temporarily stop cooked food services in trains and offer refunds to passengers who have already booked meals. times of India Informed.
The report quoted railway officials as saying that the disruption in LPG supply has started affecting IRCTC base kitchens where food is prepared before being loaded into trains.
IRCTC has also asked its catering units at its western zone railway stations to use alternative equipment like microwaves and induction plates and to keep stock of ready-to-eat food items for passengers. PTI Informed. “You should switch to alternative cooking methods like microwave and induction to meet any possible shortfall in LPG supply,” IRCTC’s March 10 advisory said.
How many meals does IRCTC serve per day across India?
IRCTC serves around 1.7 million meals daily on its nationwide network. Of this, the western region accounts for about 20 percent. times of India Informed.
Why have catering services been affected due to LPG supply disruption?
The advisory comes against the backdrop of heightened tensions across West Asia, which has affected the movement of LPG shipments. The supply shortage has also created difficulties for restaurants and businesses that rely on LPG across India, raising concerns among consumers in many parts of the country.
At the center of the disruption is the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow waterway between Iran and Oman that serves as a major route for global oil and gas trade. Shipping through the route has been severely disrupted amid increased attacks by the United States and Israel and retaliation by Iran. Also read: Uttarakhand prepares to supply firewood to businesses amid LPG shortage
What steps has the government taken to stabilize LPG supply?
To address shortage concerns, the Center has invoked the Essential Commodities Act, directing refineries to increase LPG production for domestic and essential non-domestic use. To prevent hoarding, oil marketing companies (OMCs) have also increased the period from last delivery to booking of new LPG cylinders from 21 days to 25 days.
first published: 11 March 2026 | 4:03 pm First
