17 March,2026 03:04 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
NCP (SP) legislature party leader Jayant Patil. File Pic
Sharad Pawar-led NCP (SP) on Tuesday accused the Maharashtra government of refusing to discuss or share information on the "widespread shortage" of LPG cylinders, despite directions from the assembly speaker.
NCP (SP) leader Jayant Patil Patil claimed that both the state and central governments have failed in managing the gas crisis, while the ruling Mahayuti coalition was attempting to shift blame onto the opposition, reported PTI.
Speaking to reporters at Vidhan Bhavan, he said, "The government should take the people and all political parties into confidence. There is a widespread shortage of LPG, with long queues everywhere. The chief minister should have intervened by now."
The former minister added that the government remains unwilling to discuss the issue in the assembly or provide necessary data, shirking its responsibility to resolve the crisis.
Referring to international developments, Patil noted that while shipments of LPG carriers Shivalik and Nanda Devi arrived safely at Mundra and Vadinar ports in Gujarat after passing the Strait of Hormuz, these shipments were insufficient to meet daily demand, and strained ties with countries such as Iran were affecting supply, reported PTI.
Following the gas crisis triggered by the Iran-US war, Maharashtra Food and Civil Supplies Minister Chhagan Bhujbal on Monday informed the state Legislative Council that authorities have seized 1,208 LPG cylinders during a statewide crackdown on illegal activities. According to statistics shared by the minister, 23 cases have been registered, and goods worth Rs 33.66 lakh have been confiscated. So far, police have arrested 18 people in connection with the cases.
Bhujbal was responding to queries raised by members of the Legislative Council regarding people standing in long queues for hours, allegations of black marketing of cylinders, and reports that several hotels, households and educational institutions are facing shortages or have been forced to shut their eateries due to the non-availability of LPG cylinders.
The minister said the issue is linked to the Government of India, adding that the Centre has clarified that adequate LPG stocks are available. He appealed to citizens not to panic, avoid standing in long queues, and refrain from encouraging black marketeering. Bhujbal also informed the House that district collectors and superintendents of police have been directed to form committees and conduct inquiries into complaints regarding irregularities in LPG distribution.
1208
No of Cylinders seized
23
No of cases registered
18
No of people arrested
(With PTI inputs)
