Amid growing concerns over a possible cooking gas shortage linked to tensions in the Middle East, authorities at Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur have taken precautionary steps to ensure uninterrupted food services for students on campus.

 

Reports of long queues outside gas distribution offices and the temporary closure of several hotels and restaurants in different parts of the country have heightened public anxiety over LPG availability. In response, IIT Kharagpur has already sent two letters to West Midnapore District Magistrate, seeking administrative support to avoid any potential disruption in the institute’s cooking gas supply.

 

Although the DM has not yet issued an official response, sources in the district administration indicated that steps are being considered to address the matter.

 

The institute operates 25 residential halls that collectively accommodate nearly 15,000 students. These hostels provide two daily meals along with snacks and refreshments. Each hall has its own canteen that prepares both vegetarian and non-vegetarian food, along with additional dishes requested by students.

 

To meet this demand, the hostels consume roughly 100 LPG cylinders every day, with the highest usage recorded at the Lal Bahadur Shastri Hall.

 

According to Pratik Dhama, Chief Public Relations Officer of the institute, there is currently no shortage of cooking gas within the campus. However, given the uncertainty surrounding supplies in the surrounding areas, the institute has chosen to act in advance.

 

He said the letters sent to the district administration outline precautionary steps intended to prevent any disruption in food services for students. Administrative sources in West Medinipur said discussions are underway with LPG dealers and distribution agencies to ensure adequate supply for IIT Kharagpur. Officials also noted that several school hostels across the district require a steady supply of cylinders, and measures are being planned to address their needs as well.

 

Concerns over fuel availability have intensified following the escalation of hostilities involving Iran on one side and Israel and the United States on the other. The conflict reportedly stalled shipments carrying crude oil and gas, raising fears of disruptions in fuel supply chains.

 

In response to the situation, the Central Government introduced a mandatory gap between domestic LPG bookings— initially set at 21 days and later extended to 25 days. On Thursday, authorities further announced that the waiting period for rural areas would be increased to 45 days.

 

While no such restrictions have been imposed on commercial LPG supplies, complaints about delivery delays have surfaced in several areas. As a result, some hotels and restaurants have temporarily shut down operations, sweet shops have halted cooking activities, and mid-day meal programmes in certain schools have been affected. Several religious institutions have also suspended bhog distribution services.

 

Despite the concerns, government authorities have repeatedly maintained that the country has sufficient reserves of cooking gas, petrol, and diesel, and that no major shortage is expected.

 

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