BJP's Kangana Ranaut, Congress' Kharge spar over LPG shortage fears

BJP MP Kangana Ranaut accused the Opposition of creating panic over LPG shortages, urging trust in PM Modi. Congress' Mallikarjun Kharge raised concerns in Rajya Sabha about a growing crisis impacting households due to the West Asia conflict.

Bharatiya Janata Party MP Kangana Ranaut on Monday urged people to trust the Prime Minister Narendra Modi government, accusing the Opposition of "trying to create panic" on LPG shortage in the country. "The opposition is trying to create panic, and I urge the people of the nation to trust the leadership of PM Modi," she said.

Opposition Raises Alarm Over LPG Crisis

Meanwhile, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge raised concerns in the Upper House over what he described as a growing LPG crisis in the country, due to the ongoing West Asia crisis. Speaking in the Rajya Sabha on Monday, Kharge said the shortage of LPG cylinders was creating widespread distress among households and businesses across India. "I wish to draw the attention of this House to the LPG crisis prevailing in the country, caused by the ongoing conflict in West Asia. This LPG crisis has created widespread chaos across the entire nation," he said.

Kharge stated that the crisis was severely affecting poor and middle-class households as well as commercial establishments. "Its impact is severely affecting the poor and vulnerable sections of society, the middle class, ordinary households, restaurants, hostels, and commercial users alike," he said.

Kharge noted that India imports nearly 60 per cent of its LPG requirement, and about 90 per cent of those imports pass through the Strait of Hormuz, making the country vulnerable to geopolitical disruptions. He said the impact of the situation was being felt by poor and middle-class households, as well as by restaurants, hostels and small businesses. "The impact of this crisis is being felt in almost every part of the country. Households are in distress. Small roadside eateries, restaurants and hostels are bearing the brunt. Everything from community kitchens to charitable food centres has been forced to shut down," Kharge said.

Government Hits Back at Opposition

Responding to Kharge's remarks, Union Minister JP Nadda criticised the Opposition for politicising the issue. "A Congress leader has been caught hoarding cylinders. They are inciting the peaceful people of the country. It is sad that the Opposition, particularly the Congress, does not stop doing politics even during difficult times. This crisis is not due to India," Nadda said.

Ministry Issues Clarification

The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas said there have been no reports of dry-outs of gas supply at LPG distributorships across India. In a statement, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas said that LPG bookings have shown a decline, with about 77 lakh bookings recorded yesterday compared to 88.8 lakh bookings on March 13, 2026. Several States and UTs, including Bihar, Delhi, Haryana and Rajasthan, have issued orders for allocation of non-domestic LPG in line with government guidelines.

The Ministry said that commercial LPG cylinders have been placed at the disposal of State Governments for priority distribution and are now available to consumers in 30 States and UTs. (ANI)

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)