India's LPG crisis: Congress alleges black-marketing, govt hits back

Congress MP Mohammad Jawed highlighted an LPG crisis in India, citing black-marketing and shortages even in Parliament. FM Nirmala Sitharaman hit back, accusing the opposition of irresponsibility instead of supporting the government's preparedness.

Congress Alleges Shortage, Black-Marketing

Amid the ongoing LPG crisis in India triggered by the West Asia conflict, Congress MP Mohammad Jawed highlighted the stark contrast between the government's claims and the reality on the ground. The Congress leader alleged that MPs even struggled to get tea in Parliament and cited "black-marketing" and inflated prices - Rs 1,500 to Rs 2,000 for a cylinder. "...There is no doubt that there is a shortage...I am observing the Roza (fasting), but yesterday the subject of discussion in Parliament was that when MPs asked for tea or coffee in the Parliament canteen, they were informed that it was unavailable. And yet, you claim that there is no cause for panic. There are reports of black-marketing, with prices as high as Rs 1,500 to Rs 2,000 being demanded...," Jawed told ANI while questioning the government's handling of the situation.

Govt Hits Back at 'Irresponsible' Opposition

Meanwhile, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman attacked the opposition over their sloganeering and protest in Lok Sabha on issues concerning LPG supply, saying it is taking irresponsible positions instead of standing together with the government in the interest of the country. Sitharaman, who was replying to debate on supplementary demands for grants (second batch 2025-26), said it is ironic that even while she is speaking about how the Government is preparing itself to face unexpected events, including supply chain disruptions and issues related to LPG due to the situation in West Asia, the Opposition is not willing to listen to the reply.

She further accused the opposition of pursuing its own political agenda and adopting irresponsible positions regarding the West Asia crisis. "Instead, they prefer to pursue their own agenda. I would like to make it clear that because of developments taking place abroad, several challenges are emerging for our country. The question before us is how we should face these challenges, how we should arrange the necessary funds to deal with them, and how we should remain prepared. When the Government is taking many such steps to ensure preparedness, it is unfortunate that the Opposition, instead of standing together in the interest of the nation and giving confidence to the people, is taking irresponsible positions. Such conduct should be condemned," she said.

"...Are the Opposition members suggesting that in times of unforeseen challenges, should the government not create a fiscal buffer or equalisation fund of Rs 50,000 crores? It is an irony that even when I am talking about how the government is preparing to face any unexpected events, inclusive of supply chain disruptions and LPG, they (Opposition) are not willing to hear the reply. They want to have their own agenda. Sit on the stairs and have chai and talk about LPG. This is our Opposition," she added.

Ministry Confirms LPG Situation a 'Matter of Concern'

Earlier, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas assured that India has adequate availability of petrol and diesel across the country, while the LPG situation continues to remain a "matter of concern" for the government.

West Asia Conflict Triggers Crisis

The current round of conflict in West Asia, which started on February 28, has witnessed fighting between Israel and the United States on one side and Iran on the other. The conflict escalated following the assassination of 86-year-old Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in joint military strikes by the US and Israel, after which Iran, in its retaliation, targeted Israeli and US assets in several Gulf countries and Israel, causing disruption in the waterway and affecting international energy markets and global economic stability.

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