Amma Canteens in Chennai have stopped preparing popular food items, including idli and chapati, owing to the shortage in cooking gas.

Chennai Corporation Ward 84 councillor J. John said a large number of people, including labourers and students, had complained that the canteens in his ward had stopped serving idli and chapati.

“Following the LPG shortage, the number of people visiting Amma Canteens increased because many hotels shut down. One Amma Canteen used to register ₹2500 revenue per day during the initial days of LPG shortage. Now it has been reduced to ₹700 per day as the canteen has stopped preparing idli and chapati. Many people who visit the canteen return because idli and chapati is no longer prepared,” he said.

“One canteen used to get 30 cylinders per month. Now, two canteens together receive only 15 gas cylinders a month. Shortage of provisions is another issue. Earlier, two to three litres of oil were supplied, whereas now only one litre is provided. The quantity of urad dal has been reduced from 3 kg to one. Vegetables are not supplied fresh. This affects the food quality,” he said.

K. Karthik, an AIADMK councillor from Tiruvottiyur, said the previous regime failed to provide the canteens with adequate supplies and reduced its manpower. “The lack of LPG has compounded the problems. Moreover, several outlets were shut citing a shortage of funds.”

MDMK councilor S. Jeevan said the government must take measures to improve the supply of food to Amma Canteens. Former Minister and Royapuram MLA D. Jayakumar said the new government must review the functioning of the canteens and restore them to their original glory.