A shortage of LPG cylinders has impacted operations at Amma Canteens in Chennai, leading to reduced food production and menu adjustments at various outlets. The shortage has notably affected idli output and chapati preparation in multiple locations. Field visits in areas like Egmore and Triplicane have shown that canteen staff are limiting cooking activities due to insufficient gas supply.
The Amma Canteens, managed by the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC), play a vital role in providing subsidized meals to numerous low-income residents daily. Officials have reported a significant drop in LPG supply over the past ten days, causing operational disruptions. Previously receiving over 300 cylinders daily, the supply has now dwindled to around 150, exacerbating the shortage.
To address the crisis, the GCC has implemented a hub-based cooking model in specific areas. This model involves preparing food at centralized centers and distributing it to a group of nearby canteens, ensuring essential services continue despite the fuel constraints. At the Gengu Reddy Subway canteen in Egmore, the weekly LPG supply has decreased from five to two cylinders, resulting in a notable decline in idli production.
In locations like Chintadripet and Triplicane, idli output has been reduced significantly due to the limited supply of cylinders, with chapatis being replaced by idlis in some instances. However, certain centers like the one at the Institute of Child Health and Hospital for Children campus have been less impacted and continue to operate normally. Officials have assured that the situation is temporary and have pledged to resume full-scale operations once LPG supplies stabilize, focusing on maintaining essential services during this period.
