IT Giants HCLTech, Infosys, Cognizant Take Measures Amid LPG Shortage

Global Energy Market Impact: Companies Adapt to LPG Shortage

The ongoing war in Iran has led to a nationwide shortage of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) in several countries, prompting companies to take measures to reduce their reliance on office cafeterias. Cognizant, a leading technology major, has joined the list of companies urging employees to adopt a Bring Your Own Food (BYOF) approach to minimize dependence on commercial LPG-reliant cafeterias.

Cognizant's Contingency Planning

To prepare for possible disruptions driven by price volatility, supply prioritization, and strain on vendors, Cognizant is identifying alternative food vendors that do not rely on commercial LPG. These alternatives include vendors using induction or solar-based cooking. The company is also exploring partnerships with cloud kitchens operating on electric or solar power to meet meal requirements if conventional supplies are disrupted.

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Employee Flexibility and Remote Work

As part of its contingency planning, Cognizant is weighing work-from-home or hybrid arrangements for non-critical roles to reduce commute exposure due to rising fuel costs. This approach is expected to mitigate the impact of the LPG shortage on employees.

Other Companies' Responses

• HCLTech offered employees at its Chennai office the option to work from home on March 12 and 13, as the cooking gas shortage disrupted internal cafeteria operations.
• Infosys issued advisories at at least two of its locations, including Bengaluru and Chennai. Employees in Bengaluru were informed that cafeterias would function with fewer menu items amid an impending situation regarding the availability of commercial LPG. Live counter operations have been plugged at offices, and employees are being urged to get home-cooked food.

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Key Figures

• March 12-13: Dates on which HCLTech allowed employees to work from home due to the LPG shortage.
• Non-critical roles: Types of roles that Cognizant is considering for work-from-home or hybrid arrangements.