'Use microwave, induction': IRCTC tells vendors to switch cooking methods as Iran war disrupts LNG flow

NEW DELHI: Indian Railways has asked all its licensees to adopt alternate cooking methods such as microwave ovens and electric induction systems at railway food centres, following a reported cut in liquefied natural gas (LNG) supplies linked to the ongoing West Asia conflict.

The directive applies to food plazas, refreshment rooms and Jan Aahar outlets across railway stations, the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) said.




The move comes as the widening crisis in the Middle East region disrupts energy supplies across India reporting difficulties due to a shortage of LNG supplies.

Earlier, railway officials also said that nationwide shortage of LPG cylinders has begun impacting catering operations of the IRCTC, prompting the railways to consider temporarily suspending cooked meal services on trains and issuing refunds to passengers who had pre-booked meals while reserving tickets.

Pantry cars on trains largely function as distribution and reheating units and do not carry LPG cylinders. However, disruption in LPG supply to base kitchens has begun to affect the preparation of meals meant for long-distance trains.

Earlier on Tuesday, Union petroleum and natural gas minister Hardeep Singh Puri assured that domestic consumers in India will not face any energy shortage despite the ongoing West Asia crisis.

He said supplies of CNG and PNG for households remain fully secure, while industries continue to receive most of their fuel requirements, stressing that there is no need for panic.

In a post on X, Puri said, "In today's informal interaction with members of the media fraternity, we discussed that India's energy imports are continuing to flow in from different sources and routes. We have taken steps to ensure that 100% supply of CNG & PNG to domestic consumers is ensured and other industries continue to get 70-80% of their supplies, despite the war situation."

The Union government has also invoked the Essential Commodities Act to safeguard the domestic energy market and manage current supply constraints.

Under the new arrangement, there will be 100% assured supply of piped natural gas for households and CNG for vehicles, while other sectors will receive fuel based on capped allocations linked to their average consumption over the past six months.

These measures come as India, which typically sources about 30% of its natural gas through the Strait of Hormuz, faces logistical challenges due to the regional conflict.

To offset the shortfall, the government said India is actively sourcing natural gas through alternative routes to maintain energy security.