Cafeterias shut, food prices rise: Why is Kerala IT forum urging for Union govt intervention?
Disruptions in LPG supplies caused by the ongoing West Asia crisis have triggered a severe shortage across Kerala’s major IT parks. Prathidhwani, the welfare and recreation forum for IT park employees, has raised the alarm over its impact on restaurants, cafeterias, and hostels. The forum urged the Union government to act immediately, warning that the crisis could affect thousands of employees working on these campuses.
LPG crisis hits food services across IT parks
Restaurants and cafeterias in Technopark (Thiruvananthapuram), Infopark (Kochi), and Cyberpark (Kozhikode) are struggling to operate due to an acute shortage of LPG cylinders. Business owners say commercial cylinder supplies have completely stopped over the past week, as oil companies are currently prioritising hospitals.
Restaurants and cafeterias across IT parks areas are facing serious operational difficulties today due to the shortage of LPG cylinders. “This has badly affected food services for thousands of IT employees working on the campus,” Prathidhwani said.
The forum warned that rising food prices and shuttered cafeterias are unacceptable. “Prathidhwani expresses serious concern over the situation and warns that it should not worsen further. Many restaurants have already increased food prices citing the shortage, which is also not acceptable. Access to food services is essential for the smooth functioning of workplaces and urgent intervention is needed to prevent further disruption.”
Long queues, closed cafeterias and hostel impact
Several cafeterias inside IT parks have already closed, while operational food counters have been reduced, leaving employees waiting in long queues. Hostels and paying-guest accommodations are also affected, as cooking fuel shortages limit meal preparation.
IT park staff warned that if the shortage persists for another two days, nearby restaurants and hotels could be forced to close, and companies may have to shift employees to a Work From Home (WFH) model to maintain operations.
Why IT parks are crucial
The shortage comes at a critical time for Kerala’s IT sector. Managed under the Kerala IT Mission, Technopark, Infopark, and Cyberpark host over a thousand companies across thousands of acres, driving innovation and sustainable growth.
According to the Economic Review 2025, total IT exports rose from ₹24,793 crore in 2023–24 to ₹26,770 crore in 2024–25, a 7.97% increase, while employment grew from 1,47,200 to 1,55,300. Recently, Kerala’s Cabinet approved IT Policy 2026 to secure 10% of national IT exports, create five lakh jobs, and strengthen digital infrastructure.
Prathidhwani said the LPG crisis threatens daily operations and called on the Centre to act immediately to ensure a steady supply and prevent further disruption.