HCLTech allows WFH as LPG shortage disrupts office cafeterias

HCLTech allowed employees at its Chennai office to work from home for two days after a shortage of commercial cooking gas disrupted cafeteria operations on the campus.

The IT services company gave staff the option to work remotely on March 12 and 13 after several food vendors were unable to operate due to the ongoing liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) supply crunch, according to a report by Mint citing senior executives familiar with the development.

The move highlights how India’s widening LPG shortage is beginning to spill over into corporate campuses, which rely heavily on commercial cylinders to run large-scale office cafeterias.

Cafeteria operations affected

Several vendors operating food courts at the Chennai campus reportedly struggled to cook meals after supplies of commercial LPG cylinders became scarce.

With cafeteria services disrupted, HCLTech offered employees the option of working from home for two days rather than commuting to offices without reliable food services, Mint reported.

Queries sent to the company seeking confirmation of the decision had not received a response at the time of publication, according to the report.

LPG shortage reaches corporate India

The disruption reflects broader supply constraints affecting restaurants, hotels and food service providers across several Indian cities.

Industry groups have warned that commercial establishments are facing difficulty securing LPG cylinders as supplies tighten.

Reuters previously reported that restaurants in multiple cities have reduced menus or temporarily shut kitchens because of the shortage.

Corporate campuses are now beginning to experience similar disruptions as they depend on commercial LPG to prepare thousands of meals daily.

Wider ripple effects

The LPG crunch comes amid growing geopolitical tensions in West Asia, particularly the conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran, which has begun affecting global energy supply chains and logistics.

According to Reuters, disruptions linked to the conflict have created uncertainty in energy markets and supply routes, contributing to rising fuel costs and shortages.

India, which relies heavily on imported energy, is particularly sensitive to shifts in global supply conditions.

The country also has deep economic ties with the Gulf region, where more than nine million Indian citizens live and work, making developments in the region closely watched by businesses and policymakers.

Other companies also affected

Food-related disruptions linked to the LPG shortage have already prompted warnings from other large technology companies.

Infosys recently advised employees at some of its campuses that cafeteria menus would be restricted due to limited availability of commercial LPG, according to reports.

The company temporarily suspended live cooking counters at certain locations and encouraged employees to bring food from home.

However, unlike HCLTech, Infosys has not yet introduced work-from-home measures in response to the shortage.

Corporate campuses under pressure

The impact of the LPG shortage underscores the operational dependence of large office campuses on external supply chains.

Companies such as HCLTech and Infosys employ hundreds of thousands of workers in India and operate sprawling technology campuses with extensive food service infrastructure.

As of the end of last year, Infosys had more than 337,000 employees globally, while HCLTech employed over 226,000 people, with the majority based in India.

Outlook

Energy analysts say the shortage could worsen if supply disruptions persist or geopolitical tensions escalate.

Prices for LPG cylinders have already begun to rise. Domestic cylinder prices increased by ₹60, while commercial 19-kg cylinders rose by ₹144 in major cities.

If supply constraints continue, industry observers warn that more corporate offices, restaurants and hospitality businesses could face operational disruptions in the coming weeks.