Speaking to reporters, Sanjay Raut claimed that there is a shortage of LPG cylinders in India and warned that the situation could continue. He alleged that the Union government was not being truthful about the availability of cooking gas
Sanjay Raut urged the government to be transparent and take citizens into confidence over the issue. File Pic
Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut accused the Centre of not being transparent to the public regarding the availability of LPG cylinders in amid the ongoing West Asia war, reported the PTI.
Raut urged the government to be transparent and take citizens into confidence over the issue.
Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Sanjay Raut claimed that there is a shortage of LPG cylinders in India and warned that the situation could continue. He alleged that the Union government was not being truthful about the availability of cooking gas.
“Do not trust the government. It is lying. There is a shortage of LPG and it will persist,” he said.
Comparison with fuel crisis in other countries
Sanjay Raut further stated that several countries, including Pakistan, are facing severe fuel shortages, leading to a situation comparable to a lockdown. He suggested that the ongoing crisis in the region could have wider implications for energy supplies, according to the PTI.
Govt urged to be transparent
While acknowledging the challenges posed by the conflict, Sanjay Raut said that even the government may have limited control over the situation due to external factors. However, he stressed that authorities should avoid making misleading claims and instead communicate honestly with the public.
“Our only point is that the government should not lie and must take people into confidence,” he added, as per the PTI.
Impact of West Asia war on energy supply
The conflict in West Asia, triggered by joint US-Israel strikes on Iran on February 28, has disrupted global energy supply chains. As India relies heavily on imports of oil and gas from Gulf countries, any prolonged instability in the region could affect domestic fuel availability.
Domestic LPG, petrol and diesel prices unchanged despite jump in global cost: Govt
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas on Wednesday clarified that domestic LPG, petrol and diesel prices remain unchanged, despite a sharp rise in global fuel costs driven by geopolitical tensions, reported IANS.
The government stated that only commercial LPG cylinder prices have been revised upward, as they are market-linked and deregulated. These cylinders are primarily used by hotels, restaurants, and industries, and account for less than 10 per cent of total LPG consumption in the country.
The recent hike follows a steep 44 per cent increase in global LPG benchmark prices, particularly the Saudi Contract Price, which rose from USD 542 per metric tonne in March to USD 780 for April.
Domestic LPG prices protected
To shield households from rising international prices, the government has kept the cost of domestic LPG unchanged. A 14.2 kg domestic cylinder continues to be priced at Rs 913, according to the IANS.
Under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY), subsidised LPG cylinders for economically weaker sections remain available at Rs 613, ensuring affordability for vulnerable households.
The Ministry highlighted that public sector oil marketing companies are currently incurring an under-recovery of around Rs 380 per LPG cylinder at existing prices. It added that cumulative losses are expected to reach over Rs 40,000 crore in the coming months.
In the previous year, total losses of approximately Rs 60,000 crore were shared equally between the government and oil companies to cushion consumers from global price shocks.
Despite global volatility, India continues to maintain relatively low domestic LPG prices compared to neighbouring countries. The Ministry noted that LPG prices are significantly higher in countries such as Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Nepal, reported IANS.
This pricing strategy is aimed at balancing consumer affordability with international market realities.
Petrol and diesel prices stable
Retail prices of regular petrol and diesel have also been kept unchanged. In Delhi, petrol continues to retail at Rs 94.77 per litre, while diesel is priced at Rs 87.67 per litre, reported IANS.
The Ministry said that despite a sharp rise in global petroleum prices—up by as much as 100 per cent in the past month—oil companies are absorbing significant under-recoveries at the retail level.
(with PTI and IANS inputs)
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