New Delhi, March 16: Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge has raised alarms about the LPG crisis in India, attributed to ongoing conflicts in West Asia. Speaking in the Rajya Sabha on Monday, he highlighted how the tensions in the region have disrupted LPG supplies across the country.
According to Kharge, the situation has escalated to a crisis level in many areas due to the LPG shortage. This has severely impacted the poor, vulnerable communities, middle-class families, households, restaurants, hostels, and commercial users.
He pointed out that India imports approximately 60% of its total LPG needs, with nearly 90% of this coming through the Strait of Hormuz. Given these circumstances, the current situation poses serious concerns for both domestic availability and price stability. The effects are evident nationwide, with households struggling and small eateries, restaurants, hostels, and community kitchens facing closures. Many establishments are finding it increasingly difficult to obtain LPG.
Kharge expressed concern that numerous businesses have had to limit their operations, while some individuals are forced to buy LPG cylinders at prices exceeding ₹5,000. Central Minister Hardeep Singh Puri claimed there is no LPG shortage and urged the public to be wary of rumors. However, the ground reality appears to contradict government assertions. As the government advised Indian citizens about potential escalations in Iran, it became clear that the tensions in West Asia could impact energy supplies.
Kharge urged the government to clarify the actual status of LPG supplies in the country. He called for efforts to secure supply chains through alternative routes and sources, and for the government to take concrete steps to alleviate the burden on ordinary citizens and small businesses. He noted that the government must have been aware of the risks to supply through the Strait of Hormuz due to regional tensions. Had there been timely planning for LPG imports and alternative arrangements made, the country might not be facing such a dire situation today.
He emphasized that the crisis was not taken seriously in time, resulting in significant hardships for ordinary citizens, small traders, and commercial consumers. Kharge urged the government to provide a clear statement on the issue, take swift action to streamline LPG supplies, and develop solid long-term strategies to prevent future crises. He also mentioned that the government has increased the price of domestic LPG cylinders by ₹60, and the waiting period for cylinder bookings has risen from 21 to 25 days in cities and from 25 to 35 days in remote areas.
My name is Narendra Jijhontiya. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including TECHNOLOGY, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
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