LPG Crisis Grips Kerala Amid Middle East Conflict
The ongoing conflict in the Middle East has triggered a severe LPG shortage that is now impacting daily life across Kerala, with significant disruptions reported in major cities like Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram. Delayed cylinder refills and dwindling commercial supplies have left households, educational institutions, eateries, and workplaces struggling to meet basic cooking needs, creating a widespread operational and logistical challenge.
Households and Communities Face Growing Anxiety
Residents' associations in Kochi report escalating anxiety among families who depend on LPG for daily cooking, as waiting periods for refills have increased sharply. Salim Kunnumpuram of the Thrikkakara Residents' Association Apex Council highlighted that the scarcity has even led to black-market sales, prompting the association to call an executive meeting to address the issue. The shortage is not just a minor inconvenience but a critical problem affecting food security and daily routines.
Educational Institutions Forced to Adapt
Educational institutions are bearing the brunt of the crisis. At Cochin University of Science and Technology (Cusat), three of its fourteen hostels have suspended operations, leaving approximately a thousand students without on-campus meals. With many nearby eateries also shut down, students from distant regions face particular hardship. Piyoosh EK, a student at Cusat, noted that arranging meals has become increasingly difficult. The shortage has also forced the closure of Cusat's Ramazan mess facility, leading student organizations to request the university to temporarily shift classes online.
At the College of Engineering Thiruvananthapuram (CET), hostel LPG stocks are expected to last only about five days. Hostel incharge Mithra DC stated that while supplies are sufficient for now, they will run out within a week, and no formal decisions have been made yet. Schools in Ernakulam district are also struggling to sustain mid-day meal programmes, with the deputy director of education issuing a circular permitting temporary use of firewood—previously banned on school premises—as a stopgap measure. Subin Paul, deputy director of education in Ernakulam, explained that many schools are facing cylinder shortages, necessitating this temporary allowance.
IT Hubs and Businesses Grapple with Operational Disruptions
IT hubs in Kerala are experiencing significant strain due to the LPG shortage. At Infopark in Kochi, cafeterias and nearby restaurants have curtailed services for thousands of employees. The World Trade Center building informed staff via email that distributors are prioritizing domestic cylinders, and cafeteria menus may be limited to induction-based preparations. Mahin Sha of Progressive Techies emphasized that the shortage has created serious operational challenges for hostels, restaurants, and cafeterias near Infopark, disrupting food services for IT employees.
At Technopark in Thiruvananthapuram, several campus cafeterias have shut down. Food court operator Vineeth Sankar noted that a surge in demand after nearby restaurants closed quickly depleted available gas supplies. Professionals in nearby paying guest accommodations are also affected, with many receiving reduced menus. Anusha T, an employee with an MNC, warned that around seventy women in her PG may have to return home if the situation worsens, as they are currently getting food with a limited menu.
Catering Industry and Healthcare Responses
The crisis has hit Kochi's catering industry during the wedding season, with several caterers stopping new bookings due to the shortage of commercial LPG. Rajesh Sadan, business development manager of Vinayaka Caterers, explained that switching to firewood is not practical, as it would prevent meeting deadlines. Responses vary across institutions; for instance, NIMS Medicity has switched to firewood for preparing meals for in-patients, while KIMSHEALTH is continuing operations after securing adequate LPG stock in advance, according to CEO Jerry Philip.
Work-from-Home Calls and Broader Implications
The shortage has prompted some firms in Infopark and Technopark to offer limited work-from-home arrangements, primarily for employees facing difficulties due to disrupted food services. However, tech workers are calling on companies to extend this option more broadly until the LPG crisis is resolved. This situation underscores the broader economic and social implications of the Middle East conflict, affecting not just energy supplies but also daily operations in key sectors across Kerala.
