Maharashtra Congress Legislative Party leader Vijay Wadettiwar highlighted the gas shortage issue in Mumbai and other parts of the state during an Assembly session. Wadettiwar emphasized that the scarcity, now affecting households, not just businesses, needed urgent government attention. He criticized the government for not accurately portraying the situation, stating that families were struggling to meet their cooking needs.
The shortage has become critical, impacting both residential and commercial users. Wadettiwar mentioned that approximately 30% of hotels in cities like Mumbai and Nagpur had closed due to gas unavailability. He also noted disruptions in the Assembly’s canteen and nearby hotels during a late-night session, illustrating the severity of the fuel crisis.
Wadettiwar raised concerns about a breakdown in law and order, citing the theft of an HPC truck carrying gas cylinders worth Rs 18 lakh. This incident raised fears of a potential black market for cylinders. The shortage has led to widespread anxiety, especially among women, with protests reported in various parts of Maharashtra. Wadettiwar urged the government to disclose the current gas stock levels and the measures being taken to restore regular supply.
Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Sunil Prabhu also addressed the gas shortage issue in the Assembly, seeking a response from the state government. The Opposition criticized the new rule by the Union government, barring domestic LPG consumers from booking a refill within 25 days of their last delivery, labeling it as anti-citizen and neglecting the needs of larger families. In response to the concerns, Speaker Rahul Narwekar acknowledged the Central government’s jurisdiction over LPG supply but emphasized the state government’s responsibility to protect public interests.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis acknowledged disruptions in imports but stated that oil refineries were instructed to boost production by 10% and prioritize domestic consumers over industrial users. Food and Civil Supplies Minister Chhagan Bhujbal assured the House of the state government’s vigilance in monitoring supply chains to prevent hoarding and price manipulation.
