11 March,2026 01:40 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
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The Congress on Wednesday raised concerns in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly over an alleged shortage of domestic cooking gas in the state, urging the government to clarify the situation and outline measures being taken to ensure uninterrupted supply, reported news agency PTI.
Raising the issue in the House, Congress Legislature Party leader Vijay Wadettiwar claimed that the widening conflict in West Asia has triggered a "severe" shortage of LPG, leading to anxiety among households and disruptions in the hospitality sector, reported PTI.
Wadettiwar said many households across Maharashtra are worried about the availability of cooking gas, even as the government continues to highlight development initiatives, reported PTI.
"While the government talks about development, common people are worried about how they will cook food at home due to gas shortage," he said in the Assembly, reported PTI.
He alleged that the shortage had already begun affecting commercial establishments such as hotels and restaurants, with several eateries reportedly shutting down because of supply disruptions.
The Congress leader also cited the functioning of the legislature during the ongoing budget session as an example, noting that the legislature canteen remained closed even though the House proceedings continued until around 1 am on Wednesday, reported PTI.
Wadettiwar claimed that the gas shortage had forced several hotels and eateries to suspend operations in parts of the state.
He said many hotels located near Nariman Point in south Mumbai remained closed due to the alleged shortage of LPG cylinders.
According to him, nearly 30 per cent of hotels in cities such as Mumbai and Nagpur have been affected, which could also impact economic activity linked to the hospitality sector.
The Congress leader also warned that supply disruptions could lead to black marketing of LPG cylinders if the issue is not addressed quickly.
Highlighting security concerns, Wadettiwar said a truck carrying LPG cylinders belonging to Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited had recently been stolen.
He claimed that the cylinders were worth around Rs 18 lakh and described the incident as a serious law-and-order issue that could worsen the supply situation, reported PTI.
The Congress leader further said protests have begun in several parts of the state, including Kolhapur and regions of Vidarbha, as residents express concerns over the availability of cooking gas, reported PTI.
He added that women in particular are worried about the situation as LPG cylinders are essential for household cooking.
Wadettiwar urged the state government to inform the Assembly about the current stock of LPG available in Maharashtra and the steps being taken to ensure smooth distribution, reported PTI.
Since LPG supply is largely regulated by the Centre, he said the state government should coordinate with the Union government to address the issue and reassure citizens.
Responding to the matter, Maharashtra Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar said that although the issue primarily falls under the jurisdiction of the central government, the state authorities will take appropriate steps in the interest of the public, reported PTI.
The concerns over LPG availability have emerged against the backdrop of the escalating conflict in West Asia.
Military strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran, followed by Tehran's retaliation, have disrupted maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.
The route is a crucial energy corridor through which India receives around 85-90 per cent of its LPG imports from countries such as Saudi Arabia and other Gulf nations.
As the government explores alternative supply sources, the limited available stocks have led to prioritisation of domestic household consumption, while commercial establishments such as hotels and restaurants have reportedly faced supply constraints.
(With inputs from PTI)
