12 March,2026 01:57 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
The Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) in its mouthpiece Saamana editorial stated that the intensifying conflict between Iran and Israel has begun to strain the Indian economy. File Pic
Amid growing concerns over LPG shortages reportedly linked to the escalating conflict in West Asia, the Shiv Sena (UBT) on Thursday criticised the government.
In an editorial published in the party's mouthpiece Saamana, the party argued that the government's optimistic claims about the limited impact of the conflict on India's economy are at odds with the situation on the ground, reported the IANS.
The editorial said the intensifying conflict between Iran and Israel has begun to strain the Indian economy.
According to the article, the Indian rupee has weakened sharply, touching a record low of 92.33 against the US dollar, while domestic fuel shortages have started affecting several sectors.
The editorial also referred to recent remarks by Nirmala Sitharaman, who had said rising global crude oil prices would not significantly affect domestic inflation. However, the Sena (UBT) claimed the situation suggests otherwise, as per the IANS.
The editorial alleged that the ongoing conflict has disrupted energy supplies after reported attacks on oil refineries in Qatar, Bahrain and Kuwait, along with restrictions on oil tankers passing through the Strait of Hormuz by Iran, the news agency reported.
It claimed these developments have triggered economic difficulties in India.
According to the Saamana editorial -
- Agricultural exports are reportedly stuck at ports in Dubai and Kuwait.
- The automotive and pharmaceutical sectors are facing uncertainty.
- Nearly 1,000 foundry units in Maharashtra are said to be at risk of closure due to gas shortages.
- Around 40 per cent of restaurants in Mumbai have allegedly shut operations due to a shortage of commercial gas, according to the IANS.
The editorial also criticised the Prime Minister's political engagements, claiming that he remained focused on election campaigning in Tamil Nadu, Kerala and West Bengal while the economic challenges were intensifying.
It further referred to a controversial remark attributed to Karoline Leavitt, the White House press secretary, claiming that Donald Trump allowed India to purchase Russian oil because the Indian Prime Minister acted according to American direction. The editorial described the statement as an insult to India.
In a satirical tone, the editorial mocked what it described as government claims that gas could be produced by installing pipes in sewers and drains.
The Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) suggested sarcastically that, if such ideas were implemented, drains and gutters could replace oil wells around the world and that India could become a global leader in producing gas from sewage systems, reported the IANS.
The editorial even joked that a major gas production project could be launched along the polluted Mithi River in Mumbai and sarcastically suggested inviting the Prime Minister and Devendra Fadnavis for its inauguration.
Using satire, the editorial argued that while other nations focus on oil wells, India's abundance of polluted rivers, drains and stagnant water bodies would ensure it remains a leader in what it called "gutter gas" production.
(with IANS inputs)
