The ongoing conflict in West Asia has begun affecting the supply of liquefied natural gas (LNG), prompting the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) to issue new instructions to licensed food vendors at railway stations in the western zone. Vendors have been advised to adopt alternative cooking methods due to concerns over gas availability.

According to railway sources, vendors operating at food plazas, refreshment rooms and Jan Ahaar outlets have been asked to use systems such as microwave ovens and electric induction cooktops for preparing meals. The conflict in West Asia has created pressure on fuel supply chains in India. Railway officials indicated that the move was taken in response to emerging shortages in gas supply, which have started affecting catering operations.

Earlier, railway authorities had stated that the shortage of LPG cylinders in the country had begun to impact Indian Railways’ food services. A railway source explained that pantry cars on trains are mainly used for distributing and reheating food, and LPG cylinders are usually not stored in them. However, disruptions in LPG supply at base kitchens are creating difficulties in preparing meals for long-distance train services.

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Amid concerns over fuel availability, Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said on Tuesday that ordinary consumers in the country would not face fuel shortages.

The LPG supply constraints have also affected several hotels and restaurants across the country. Similar to IRCTC’s measures, many establishments have started reducing menu options as they adjust operations due to limited gas availability.