LPG shortage severely affecting poor, middle class: Kharge slams Modi govt for 'not taking preventive measures' to tackle crisis

Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge on Monday accused the Modi government of not taking pre-emptive measures to tackle the LPG crisis and black marketing of the cooking gas in the wake of war in West Asia even as the ruling BJP accused the Congress of trying to play politics over the issue and bring anarchy in the country.

Raising the issue during Zero Hour, Kharge said the LPG shortage has created widespread distress across the country and is "severely affecting" the poor and vulnerable sections, the middle class, ordinary households, restaurants, hostels, and commercial users.

He asked the government why it has not made alternative arrangements if the government knew that LPG imports could face disruption and why the Opposition was not taken into confidence to ensure a coordinated response and reduce public anxiety.

Claiming that the crisis has exposed the government's pathetic management as also the flaws in foreign and energy policies, he asked why strong steps are not taken to curb black marketing and hoarding. He said it was the responsibility of the government to ensure stable, accessible, and affordable availability of LPG for the poor and the middle class.

Union Minister and Leader of the House JP Nadda shot back at Kharge, saying it was regrettable that even during the crisis period, the Opposition, especially the Congress party, was doing politics on the issue.

"They are instigating the peaceful people of the country. In a crisis situation, instead of standing with the country, they are trying to bring anarchy in the country," Nadda said while alleging that a Congress leader was arrested for hoarding LPG cylinders.

Kharge said India imports nearly 60% of its total LPG requirement and of this imports, about 90% come through the Strait of Hormuz. In this context, the present situation has become a matter of serious concern for both domestic availability and price stability, he said.

He said the impact is being felt in almost every section from the small 'dhaba' owners, restaurants, hostels and community kitchens. He said it is worrying that several establishments have either curtailed or shut down their operations and some are being forced to purchase cylinders at exorbitant prices of more than Rs 5,000 per cylinder.

He asked when the government was issuing advisories to Indian citizens in Iran that the situation could deteriorate, it should also have clarified that this could affect critical maritime routes and energy supplies. Accordingly, preparations should have been made.

"When Narendra Modi was meeting the Prime Minister of Israel, he would certainly have received indications about rising regional tensions and the possibility of disruptions. This means the government was well aware that the route through the Strait of Hormuz could face disruption. If advance planning for LPG imports and alternative arrangements had been made in time, the situation would not have become so severe today," he added.