Kolkata Universities Grapple with Severe LPG Shortage, Disrupting Campus Dining
An acute LPG shortage has swept across Kolkata, forcing numerous university and college canteens to drastically cut their menus, eliminating popular items such as rolls, chow mein, dosa, and paratha. Many establishments are now resorting to serving dry snacks or adopting alternative cooking methods like chulhas, stoves, and induction cooktops to conserve the dwindling fuel supply.
Presidency University Canteens Struggle to Stay Open
At Presidency University, the Purushottam canteen remained closed on Friday after completely running out of LPG cylinders. Biswajit Roy, associated with the canteen, revealed that they had attempted for three consecutive days to secure cylinders without success. "Most of our sales come from cooked items — chow mein, rolls, fried rice, and parathas. So, without a cylinder, we have no choice but to shut down," he explained.
In a bid to keep operations running, Rathin Mondal of Srishti Canteen at Presidency University purchased a cylinder from the black market. "Students depend on us for lunch, so I don't want to shut down or cut essential items like rice, dal, curry, luchi, rolls, chow mein, and momo. However, I've stopped making dosas as they consume too much gas," Mondal stated, highlighting the difficult trade-offs being made.
Other Institutions Issue Notices and Adapt Menus
St Xavier’s College took proactive measures by issuing a notice on Thursday, informing students that cooked food would not be available until further notice due to the LPG crisis. Similarly, the canteen at Scottish Church College faces imminent fuel depletion. Amit Chakraborty, who manages the canteen, reported having fuel for only one more day and has already reduced fried items such as rolls and chow mein. "We are avoiding dishes that require a high flame. Today, we served rice and chilli chicken, but if the situation persists, we will shift to ready-made food," he warned.
Jadavpur University and IIEST Shibpur Turn to Alternative Methods
At Jadavpur University, Milan-da’s canteen has begun using a stove and induction cooktop to conserve LPG. Owner Krishna Dey expressed concern that their LPG stock would run out soon and mentioned potentially seeking permission to use a chulha. "If the shortage continues, we may change the menu entirely, reducing quantities and serving items like chire, doi, banana, roti, and sabzi instead," Dey added, outlining contingency plans.
The Aahar canteen behind Aurobindo Bhavan had LPG stock until Friday, but owner Ashok Jana indicated they might soon rely on dry items such as cake, patties, chips, and biscuits. At IIEST, Shibpur, the student canteen has started using a chulha alongside LPG to save fuel, while meals at the Ladies’ Canteen are being prepared on both induction and LPG. Staff there warned of a possible shutdown if cylinders remain unavailable next week.
Broader Implications for Campus Life
This LPG shortage is causing significant disruptions to daily campus life in Kolkata, with canteens scrambling to adapt. The shift towards alternative cooking methods and reduced menus underscores the severity of the fuel crisis, impacting student nutrition and convenience. As institutions navigate these challenges, the reliance on black market purchases and makeshift solutions highlights the urgent need for a resolution to ensure stable food services across educational hubs.
