Delhi HC canteen stops serving main course as LPG cylinders run out
The Lawyers’ Canteen at the Delhi High Court has temporarily stopped preparing and serving main course meals after running out of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) cylinders, leaving advocates and court staff with only limited food options.
The move comes amid concerns over disruptions in the supply of commercial LPG cylinders in several parts of the country.
According to a notice issued by the canteen management on March 11, the kitchen is currently unable to cook full meals because LPG cylinders required for cooking are unavailable.
The notice informed the Secretary of the court and advocates that the canteen cannot prepare main course items until the supply of gas cylinders resumes.
“This is to respectfully inform you that due to the unavailability of the LPG gas cylinder at present, we regret that we are unable to prepare and serve the main course items in the Lawyers’ Canteen,” the notice said. It further added that there is currently no clarity on when the LPG supply will be restored.
The disruption means that popular cooked dishes typically served at the canteen, including items such as biryani, dal makhani, and paneer preparations, are temporarily off the menu.
Lawyers, litigants, and visitors to the court premises are instead having to rely on lighter refreshments and ready-to-serve food.
Despite the suspension of cooked meals, the canteen management clarified that it will continue to serve food items that do not require LPG-based cooking. These include sandwiches, salads, fruit chaat and other snacks, which are being made available to ensure that visitors still have some food options during court hours.
The notice also assured patrons that normal services would resume as soon as the gas supply became available again. However, as of now, there is no official timeline for the restoration of LPG cylinders at the facility.
The situation at the Delhi High Court canteen comes amid wider concerns over disruptions in the supply of commercial LPG cylinders used by restaurants, eateries, and catering services.
Industry bodies and restaurant associations have recently warned that irregular supplies could significantly impact food service businesses that depend heavily on LPG for daily cooking operations.
Reports suggest that the supply disruptions are linked partly to global energy uncertainties triggered by geopolitical tensions in West Asia. The conflict has affected shipping routes and delayed energy shipments, which has had a ripple effect on fuel supplies in several regions.
At the same time, the central government has maintained that there is no nationwide LPG shortage. Authorities have said steps are being taken to stabilise supply, including directing refineries to increase production and prioritising domestic household consumption.
The temporary suspension of main course meals at the Delhi High Court’s Lawyers’ Canteen highlights how supply disruptions in essential commodities can affect even institutional facilities.
Until fresh cylinders arrive, lawyers and court staff are likely to continue managing with limited menu options during their busy court schedules.