Opposition leaders in India have voiced worries about the increasing shortage of LPG supply in the country, connecting it to the ongoing tensions in West Asia. They are urging for a detailed discussion in Parliament to address the nation’s energy security. Congress MP Jebi Mather criticized the government for the reported lack of cooking gas in various cities and questioned the clarity of India’s strategy to handle the crisis.
Mather highlighted the impact of the LPG shortage on businesses, with hoteliers in Karnataka, Bengaluru, Pune, and Chennai facing potential closures due to the scarcity. She emphasized the need for a concrete plan to overcome the crisis, questioning whether India will rely on external strategies or develop its own approach. Congress MP Manish Tewari emphasized the need for immediate action, warning that the conflict in West Asia could severely affect India’s energy security.
Tewari stressed the implications of the conflict on India’s energy security, noting the recent increase in LPG cylinder rates by Rs 55. The disruptions in LPG supplies are attributed to the geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, particularly the conflict involving Iran, Israel, and the United States. Major cities like Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Kolkata are experiencing supply shortages, with reports indicating extended waiting periods for LPG refills and temporary halts in commercial supply to restaurants.
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi raised concerns about the government’s fuel reserves, pointing out discrepancies in the reported stock levels. She highlighted the need for transparency and accountability in managing the crisis. Jharkhand Mukti Morcha MP Mahua Maji observed the visible impact of the shortage on the ground, calling for immediate government intervention to address the growing queues for LPG cylinders and fuel at petrol pumps in cities like Ranchi.
Congress MP Mallu Ravi warned that the current shortage could escalate if the conflict in West Asia persists, urging for proactive measures to prevent a worsening crisis. Opposition leaders are pushing for a comprehensive debate in Parliament, emphasizing the critical importance of addressing the evolving geopolitical situation that could significantly affect India’s fuel supply and economic stability.
