Opposition leaders also highlighted the impact of geopolitical tensions involving Iran, Israel and the United States, which have disrupted fuel shipments through the strategic Strait of Hormuz
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Priyanka Chaturvedi of raised concerns about the government’s claims regarding fuel reserves. File Pic/PTI
The Opposition leaders on Tuesday expressed concern over a growing LPG supply shortage in India, linking it to escalating tensions in West Asia and urging the government to hold a detailed debate in Parliament on the country’s energy security, reported the IANS.
Jebi Mather, Member of Parliament from the Indian National Congress, criticised the government over reports of cooking gas shortages in several cities.
She said hoteliers in cities such as Bengaluru, Pune and Chennai have warned that they may be forced to shut their establishments if the shortage continues.
Mather questioned the government’s preparedness to deal with the situation and asked whether India had a clear strategy to manage the crisis.
Referring to statements by Donald Trump on global energy issues, she asked whether India planned to rely on international developments or had its own plan to address the shortage, according to the IANS.
According to her, there is currently little clarity about how the government intends to tackle the LPG supply challenges.
Concerns over fuel reserves
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Priyanka Chaturvedi of raised concerns about the government’s claims regarding fuel reserves.
She said that during Question Hour in Parliament, the government initially claimed that India had 72 days of fuel reserves, but later it emerged that only around 25 days of reserves were available, the news agency reported.
Opposition seeks discussion
Another Congress MP, Manish Tewari, said the opposition had moved an adjournment motion in Parliament to discuss the issue, as per the IANS.
Tewari warned that the ongoing conflict in West Asia and the wider Middle East could have serious implications for India’s energy security. He also pointed out that the price of LPG cylinders had recently been increased by Rs 55, while shortages were being reported in cities including Mumbai and Bengaluru.
Impact visible in several cities
Mahua Maji of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha said the effects of the shortage were already visible in some places.
She pointed to long queues for LPG cylinders and fuel at petrol pumps in Ranchi and urged the government to take urgent steps to address the situation, the IANS reported.
Concerns Over Global Supply Disruptions
Opposition leaders also highlighted the impact of geopolitical tensions involving Iran, Israel and the United States, which have disrupted fuel shipments through the strategic Strait of Hormuz, as per the IANS.
Reports suggest that LPG supplies in cities such as Mumbai, Bengaluru and Kolkata have been affected. In some cases, domestic LPG refills now require a waiting period of up to 25 days, while commercial supply to restaurants has been temporarily halted.
Call for urgent measures
Mallu Ravi of the Congress warned that the shortage could worsen if the West Asia conflict continues.
Opposition parties have been pressing the government for a comprehensive discussion in Parliament, arguing that the evolving geopolitical situation could significantly affect India’s fuel supply and economic stability, the news agency reported.
(with IANS inputs)
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