The impact of the ongoing energy disruption linked to the West Asia conflict has begun to reach even the corridors of justice in the national capital. Lawyers visiting the canteen at the Delhi High Court are currently unable to access regular hot meals due to a shortage of LPG cylinders, forcing the facility to temporarily halt its main course services.
A notice placed in the lawyers’ canteen informed patrons that cooking operations had been affected because of the unavailability of LPG cylinders. As a result, dishes such as biryani, dal makhani, and shahi paneer are no longer being prepared for the time being.
Hot meals halted amid gas shortage
According to NDTV, the canteen management said it regretted the inconvenience caused to lawyers and visitors but had no option other than to suspend hot meal preparation. Without cooking gas, the facility cannot operate its kitchen equipment required for preparing regular meals. Until supplies return, the canteen is offering only items that do not require cooking gas. These include sandwiches, salads, fruit chaat and other light refreshments.
The disruption left many lawyers surprised during lunchtime when they arrived expecting their usual meals. Some members of the legal fraternity discussed carrying lunch boxes to court, while others worried about the lack of proper facilities to heat food within the premises. Advocate Satyam Singh Rajput said the situation is particularly difficult for lawyers who spend long hours in courtrooms and rely on the canteen for meals during the day. The absence of hot food, he noted, has become a practical problem for many practitioners.
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West Asia conflict affecting LPG supply
The shortage is part of a broader disruption in the supply of commercial LPG cylinders across parts of India. Industry groups say geopolitical tensions in West Asia have affected energy supply chains, creating uncertainty in the availability of cooking gas used by restaurants and institutions. The hospitality sector has already warned that prolonged shortages could disrupt operations in restaurants and hotels across several cities. Cooking gas is a crucial fuel for commercial kitchens, and any interruption can significantly affect food services.
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While authorities have stated that LPG production is being increased and domestic supplies are being prioritised, the ground situation remains challenging for many establishments dependent on commercial cylinders. For now, lawyers at the Delhi High Court may have to settle for sandwiches instead of full meals as the canteen waits for LPG supplies to normalise.
