LPG Crisis Hits Kolkata Colleges: Menu Cuts & Chulhas Emerge

An severe LPG shortage has gripped several university and college canteens across Kolkata, compelling them to drastically alter their offerings. Many have been forced to remove popular cooked items such as rolls, chow mein, dosa, and paratha from their menus, with a noticeable shift towards serving dry snacks. Some institutions are actively conserving fuel by utilizing traditional chulhas, induction cooktops, and regular stoves.

Presidency University's Purushottam canteen experienced a closure on Friday due to a lack of LPG cylinders, despite efforts to procure them over three days. Canteen operators highlighted that their primary sales come from cooked dishes, making the absence of cooking gas detrimental to operations. One operator at Presidency resorted to the black market for a cylinder to maintain service, though some high-gas-consuming items like dosas were still discontinued.

Similar challenges are faced by canteens at St Xavier's College and Scottish Church College, where cooked food availability has been temporarily suspended or restricted. Jadavpur University's canteens are also implementing fuel-saving measures, including the use of stoves and induction cooktops, with plans to possibly use chulhas if the shortage persists. Institutions like IIEST, Shibpur, are also employing a mix of cooking methods to manage their LPG supply.