HCLTech allows Chennai staff to work from home over LPG crisis

IT major HCLTech gave some of its employees a rare post-pandemic choice this week. The country’s third-largest IT firm allowed its staff in Chennai the option to work from home on March 12 and March 13, according to an internal email reviewed by Zee Business. The Noida-headquartered firm cited a lack of gas in the canteen as the reason behind this move.

In the email, addressed to HCLTech employees located in Chennai, the software service provider wrote: “The Government of India has invoked the Essential Services Act, 1955 to regulate the availability, supply, and distribution of petroleum and related products. Certain essential commodities are currently under regulatory control across the country. While business remains unaffected, some of our food vendors are experiencing commercial LPG supply disruptions, impacting cooking at some of our facilities.”

The situation, it noted, is being actively monitored to ensure “uninterrupted support”.

As a precautionary measure, it advised the said employees to work from home in consultation with their reporting managers.

Do all HCLTech employees get to work remotely?
No. The IT firm clearly stated in the communication that this arrangement is only for its employees in Chennai. “Employees working in client locations should follow their respective client advisories,” the email read.

It advised employees who are currently on critical assignments to reach out to their respective reporting managers in case they “need to work from our office locations”.

Employees who have already been rostered for cab during this period and if they are planning to work from home, please cancel the cab booking so that vendor can be informed accordingly, it added.

LPG shortage hits Noida-based IT firm’s Chennai offices
HCLTech said that the vendors currently managing its cafeteria operations will offer limited menu options amid limited supplies of commercial LPG refills.

The company said it is working with the vendors closely to:

• Enable alternative cooking arrangements, including induction-based solutions to ensure uninterrupted services
• Provision for frozen or precooked food items that can be reheated using induction or microwave facilities

Switching to ‘work from home’ became the new normal during the depths of the pandemic, when many businesses shut down and millions lost their jobs. However, with the pandemic now behind, many organisations have ended arrangements that allowed staff to work remotely.

Restaurants, caterers, vendors feel the heat as govt prioritises domestic-use LPG consumers
The development highlights emerging challenges across the hospitality industry, with many restaurants, caterers and other commercial LPG users seeking relief in restricted supplies.

This week, the central government invoked emergency laws to restrict LPG supplies to commercial consumers, such as restaurants and hotels, with few “essential” exceptions like hospitals, prioritising delivery to households. That came days after it invoked a separate law to order refiners to ramp up their production.

Multitudes of domestic restaurants and hotels have issued warnings of disruptions ​and even shutdowns as the supply crunch continues to restrict their operations.

On Thursday, the government said that LPG production has already increased to 28 per cent, from 25 per cent the previous day.

Earlier that day, the Union oil minister urged consumers not to panic. “(LPG) demand had increased due to panic,” he said.

Gas supplies are being prioritised for domestic needs, he reiterated, adding that the government will ensure priority to essential sectors such as hospitals and educational institutions.

He also said that refineries are operating at full capacity.

Restaurants prepare backup plans; switch to limited menus, smart cooking, says NRAI
Restaurants’ body NRAI has issued an advisory for the industry, urging its members to exercise caution in rationing their LPG consumption. It suggested restaurants adopt immediate fuel conservation and efficiency measures.

Here’s a summary of its key suggestions:

• Rationalise menus: Prioritise low-gas, short-cycle dishes; suspend high-gas items (long simmering, deep frying, slow cooking)
• Optimise equipment: Disable pilot flames; use lids, pressure cookers, right-sized burners; pre-soak ingredients
• Schedule efficiently: Consolidate prep/cooking in non-peak hours; batch cook; avoid standby burners; train staff daily
• Operational efficiency
• Streamline production: Use central kitchens; pre-prep off-peak; optimise fryers/woks; group processes
• Resource management: Share pre-prepped items (gravies/sauces) with nearby outlets; monitor daily consumption; maintain burners/pipelines
• Adjust operations: Shorten hours in low-demand areas; simplify menus
• Alternative cooking solutions
• Shift to electrics: Induction, electric griddles/fryers, combi/convection ovens, rice cookers/steamers, infrared salamanders
• Switch to crisis menus with fast-cook items
• Communicate transparently on changes; limit to peak hours
• Industry collaboration
• Coordinate locally: Share practices, bulk procurement

Here are answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs) on the subject:

Why has HCLTech given its Chennai employees the option to work remotely?

The IT firm said its cafeteria vendors are facing commercial LPG supply disruptions.

Which employees are impacted by this advisory?

According to the HCLTech email, only the company’s employees working at its Chennai offices were impacted.

Are all HCLTech employees allowed to work remotely?

No. The advisory clearly mentions that this option is only available to its staff in Chennai.

What should HCLTech employees do if they already booked office cabs?

HCLTech has advised them to cancel their cab bookings if they plan to exercise the optional WFH.

Is HCLTech’s business affected by the LPG issue?

No.

How are cafeteria services impacted?

Vendors are offering limited menu options due to restricted LPG supplies.

What alternatives is HCLTech exploring for cooking?

Induction-based cooking and reheating frozen or precooked food.

Why are commercial LPG supplies restricted?

The government is prioritising LPG supply for household consumers.

Which sectors still get priority LPG supply?

Essential sectors like hospitals and educational institutions.

Has LPG production changed recently?

Yes. Domestic LPG production has increased to about 28 per cent, according to official data.

Why are restaurants, hotels and caterers facing difficulties?

They are facing challenges due to commercial LPG shortages.

What alternative cooking solutions are suggested for restaurants?

Induction cooktops, electric fryers, convection ovens and rice steamers.

Is the government monitoring the LPG situation?

Yes. Authorities are closely tracking developments. ZeeBiz