IT Canteens Shut: Infosys, TCS, and Wipro Ask Staff to Pack Lunch
A massive fuel crisis has hit the heart of India’s tech hubs. Specifically, major IT firms like Infosys, TCS, Cognizant, and Wipro have shut down or scaled back their canteen services. Initially, this started as a small menu change. Now, thousands of employees in Pune and Bengaluru are being told to “pack lunch boxes from home.” Consequently, the daily routine of India’s corporate workforce has been flipped upside down.
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The “Why” Behind the Empty Canteens
Look, the root cause is the ongoing West Asia conflict. Previously, India imported nearly 90% of its LPG through the Strait of Hormuz. However, with that route now blocked, the government has rationed commercial gas to save it for homes. Indeed, commercial LPG supply for tech parks has been capped at just 20%. As a result, massive office kitchens can no longer run their high-heat burners for thousands of meals.
Company-Wise Impact Report
| Company | Current Status | City Affected |
| Infosys | Live counters shut; tiffins mandatory | Pune, Bengaluru, Chennai |
| TCS | Serving only “Dal-Rice”; menus cut | Yerawada (Pune), ITPL (BLR) |
| Wipro | Stopped fast food and Chinese items | Hinjewadi (Pune) |
| Cognizant | Live counters for Dosa/Pav Bhaji closed | Pune |
| HCLTech | Offered WFH on March 12–13 | Chennai |
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The Strain on “Migrant” Techies
Actually, this crisis is hardest for bachelors and those living in PGs. Specifically, many IT workers leave their hometowns and rely entirely on office food. Furthermore, even local PGs and hostels have stopped cooking or slashed their menus to basic rice and lentils. So, the Forum for IT Employees (FITE) is now urging firms to allow a “Work from Hometown” option until gas supplies return to normal.
Corporate Workarounds
While gas is scarce, some firms are trying new things. Specifically, Cognizant is looking for vendors who use solar-powered or induction cooking. Moreover, Infosys is using its on-campus biogas plants to power a few smaller kitchens. However, these tools cannot feed 30,000 people at once. Therefore, the “tiffin culture” is likely here to stay for a while.
A “Collision” of Policies
Look, this energy shock has hit right when companies are forcing a 5-day office mandate. Recently, employees in Bengaluru have shared their anger online. They feel it is unfair to be forced into the office when there is no food available on campus or in nearby dhabas. Actually, some local cafes have even added a “Gas Crisis Charge” to their bills.
In short, your office dosa is gone for now. Next, I can track the latest government updates on when the LPG rationing might end. Right.
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