The party claimed that the gap between the government’s claims and the ground reality is widening, with people facing long queues outside gas agencies and several eateries reportedly shutting down due to shortage of commercial LPG cylinders
Uddhav Thackeray. File Pic
The Shiv Sena (UBT) on Saturday criticised the BJP-led central government over the reported disruption in LPG supply amid the escalating West Asia conflict, alleging that official assurances of adequate stock are not reflected in the situation on the ground, reported news agency IANS.
In a strongly worded editorial published in its mouthpiece Saamana, the party claimed that the gap between the government’s claims and the ground reality is widening, with people facing long queues outside gas agencies and several eateries reportedly shutting down due to shortage of commercial LPG cylinders, reported IANS.
Sena (UBT) claims LPG shortage affecting several cities
The editorial stated that despite repeated assurances from the Centre that LPG supply remains stable and production has increased, many cities are witnessing disruptions, reported IANS.
It alleged that the shortage of commercial cooking gas cylinders has begun affecting various cities across the country, including those in Maharashtra.
According to the article, customers have been standing in queues outside gas agencies in cities such as Mumbai and Pune, as well as in places like Bhopal, Indore and Gwalior in Madhya Pradesh, reported IANS.
West Asia tensions blamed for supply disruptions
The editorial linked the situation to geopolitical tensions in West Asia, particularly the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz — a key global energy transit route.
It noted that India depends heavily on imports of crude oil, LPG and other petroleum products from Gulf countries, making it vulnerable to disruptions in the region.
According to the editorial, the ongoing conflict has affected supply chains, leading to shortages of cooking gas cylinders in several areas.
Hotels, hostels and religious events affected
The Saamana editorial claimed that the shortage has begun affecting everyday activities in different parts of the country, reported IANS.
It alleged that student hostels in Pune have temporarily modified their menus due to limited cooking gas availability. According to the editorial, students were advised to consume simpler meals until the situation improves.
The article also claimed that the Nath Shashti Yatra in Paithan was affected, with some religious processions reportedly forced to turn back due to fuel shortages, reported IANS.
Additionally, the editorial said the shortage of commercial LPG cylinders has impacted the hospitality sector, claiming that several hotels and restaurants in Mumbai have temporarily shut operations.
Party questions government’s claims of adequate supply
The editorial also referred to a statement by Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri in Parliament that LPG production has increased by around 28 per cent and supply remains smooth, reported IANS.
However, the Shiv Sena (UBT) argued that the government’s decision to extend the waiting period between LPG cylinder bookings contradicts those claims.
Under the revised norms, urban consumers must wait at least 25 days between bookings, compared with the earlier 21-day interval, while rural consumers may have to wait up to 45 days.
Editorial warns of economic impact
The party also warned that restrictions on gas supplies to industries could lead to closures of factories and affect employment.
The editorial further claimed that the ongoing wedding season and tourism activity during March and April could be impacted as catering businesses struggle with rising cylinder costs, reported IANS.
Concluding its criticism, the editorial said the government’s assurances of adequate supply appear inconsistent with the situation reported by consumers and businesses across the country.
(With inputs from IANS)
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