25 March,2026 01:25 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondent
Pic/PTI
Several Opposition leaders staged a protest inside the Parliament House complex on Wednesday, alleging an LPG supply crunch and accusing the Centre of failing to address the issue effectively.
The protest saw participation from prominent leaders including Mallikarjun Kharge, Supriya Sule, Dharmendra Yadav, Sudama Prasad, T Sumathy, and Mahua Maji, among others.
The MPs gathered near the Makar Dwar of Parliament, holding a large banner reading "Empty Cylinders, Empty Promises" and raising slogans against the government.
The demonstration highlighted growing political tensions over fuel supply concerns, particularly in the backdrop of global disruptions triggered by the ongoing West Asia conflict.
Leaders from various opposition parties claimed that citizens across the country are facing difficulties in accessing LPG cylinders.
Trinamool Congress MP Saugata Roy alleged that the government had failed to manage the situation effectively, stating that people are struggling due to shortages and calling for immediate resolution.
Similarly, Congress MP Pramod Tiwari claimed that shortages were visible across both rural and urban areas, especially during recent festive periods, and said the opposition would continue to raise the issue in Parliament.
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut also criticised the government, questioning India's role in the ongoing global crisis. He urged the Prime Minister to engage more with the opposition and consider their suggestions on handling the situation.
The protest comes at a time when the government has taken steps to manage LPG supply amid global uncertainties. Authorities have prioritised the allocation of domestically produced natural gas for LPG production, along with compressed natural gas (CNG) and piped gas supply.
Efforts are also underway to streamline distribution by accelerating city gas projects and increasing allocation of commercial LPG to essential sectors.
The concerns arise against the backdrop of the ongoing conflict in West Asia, now in its fourth week, which has disrupted global trade routes, particularly through the Strait of Hormuz.
The crisis escalated following the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in joint military strikes by the United States and Israel on February 28. Iran's subsequent retaliatory actions have further impacted shipping routes and energy markets.
While the opposition continues to allege shortages and mismanagement, the government has repeatedly maintained that there is no shortage of LPG and that adequate stocks are available across the country.
(With inputs from Agencies)
