Bengaluru, April 7: The political climate in Karnataka is heating up over the LPG and fuel crisis. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, and senior Congress leaders have leveled serious allegations against the central government. In a joint statement released on Tuesday, they claimed that the central policies have led to a ‘severe’ LPG and fuel crisis in the state, impacting the livelihoods of millions.
Randeep Singh Surjewala, General Secretary of the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee, asserted that over five lakh auto drivers in the state are directly affected. He noted that the price of auto gas surged from ₹58-61 per liter in March 2026 to ₹105-120 per liter within just a few weeks, marking an increase of nearly 106%. Reports suggest that prices at private petrol pumps could reach ₹125-135 per liter.
The statement highlighted the situation in Bengaluru, where the number of operational LPG and CNG stations has plummeted from 60-70 to just 10-15, indicating an 80% closure rate. Daily supply has also dropped from 12,000 liters to 6,000 liters. In some areas, a cap of ₹400 per vehicle for fuel has been imposed, forcing auto drivers to wait in long queues and sometimes return without fuel.
Congress leaders characterized this situation as not merely inflation but as ‘economic oppression of the working class.’ They criticized the central government’s suggestion to revert to petrol, arguing that petrol is already expensive and many vehicles have transitioned to gas, making the suggestion impractical.
Additionally, the issue of significant price hikes for commercial LPG cylinders was raised. Following a ₹200 increase on April 1, the price of a cylinder has surpassed ₹2,000, currently standing at approximately ₹2,161. Allegations suggest that these cylinders are being sold on the black market for up to ₹6,000, severely impacting small hotels, roadside eateries, and food delivery services.
The Congress party stated that the supply of LPG in the country is managed by oil marketing companies, placing full responsibility on the central government. They accused the administration of failure and inaction, expressing concern over LPG black marketing and predicting further fuel price hikes after the upcoming elections.
Congress leaders also questioned the silence of BJP and JD(S) central ministers from Karnataka, urging them to either take responsibility or resign. They warned that this situation represents an ’employment crisis’ that could affect the upcoming by-elections in Davanagere South and Bagalkot, as well as other future elections.
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