Maharashtra Assembly: Congress alleges ‘severe’ LPG shortage, seeks clarification from govt

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 PTIRaising the issue in the House Congress Legislature Party leader Vijay Wadettiwar claimed that the widening conflict in West Asia has triggered a ldquosevererdquo shortage of LPG leading to anxiety among households and disruptions in the hospitality sector reported PTICongress flags cooking gas shortage in AssemblyWadettiwar said many households across Maharashtra are worried about the availability of cooking gas even as the government continues to highlight development initiatives reported PTIldquoWhile the government talks about development common people are worried about how they will cook food at home due to gas shortagerdquo he said in the Assembly reported PTIHe alleged that the shortage had already begun affecting commercial establishments such as hotels and restaurants with several eateries reportedly shutting down because of supply disruptionsThe 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 PTIHotels and eateries reportedly affectedWadettiwar claimed that the gas shortage had forced several hotels and eateries to suspend operations in parts of the stateHe said many hotels located near Nariman Point in south Mumbai remained closed due to the alleged shortage of LPG cylindersAccording 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 sectorThe Congress leader also warned that supply disruptions could lead to black marketing of LPG cylinders if the issue is not addressed quicklyLawandorder concerns raised over LPG theftHighlighting security concerns Wadettiwar said a truck carrying LPG cylinders belonging to Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited had recently been stolenHe claimed that the cylinders were worth around Rs 18 lakh and described the incident as a serious lawandorder issue that could worsen the supply situation reported PTIThe 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 PTIHe added that women in particular are worried about the situation as LPG cylinders are essential for household cookingOpposition demands update on gas stocksWadettiwar 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 PTISince 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 citizensResponding 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 PTIWest Asia conflict impacts LPG importsThe concerns over LPG availability have emerged against the backdrop of the escalating conflict in West AsiaMilitary strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran followed by Tehranrsquos retaliation have disrupted maritime traffic through the Strait of HormuzThe route is a crucial energy corridor through which India receives around 8590 per cent of its LPG imports from countries such as Saudi Arabia and other Gulf nationsAs 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 constraintsWith inputs from PTI