Kharge Slams Government Over LPG Crisis Amid West Asia Conflict, Nadda Retorts
Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge, on Monday launched a scathing attack on the government over the LPG crisis stemming from the ongoing conflict in West Asia. He demanded answers as to why the administration failed to undertake advance planning for LPG imports or establish alternative arrangements, despite being fully aware of the escalating regional tensions.
Kharge's Allegations of Mismanagement
In a submission that exceeded the allotted three-minute time limit during the zero hour, Kharge posed pointed questions to the government. "Why did the government not make alternative arrangements if it was aware of the regional tensions? Why was the Opposition not taken on board for a coordinated response to public anxiety?" he asked. He further alleged that the government is failing to curb hoarding and black marketing of LPG cylinders, exacerbating the situation for ordinary citizens.
Kharge emphasized that this crisis not only exposes severe mismanagement but also highlights weaknesses in both domestic and foreign policy. He warned that the LPG shortage has created widespread panic across the nation, disproportionately affecting poor and middle-class households, as well as restaurants, hostels, and commercial establishments.
Critical Dependence on Imports
Highlighting India's heavy reliance on imports, Kharge noted that the country imports approximately 60% of its domestic LPG requirements. Alarmingly, around 90% of these imports transit through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, a chokepoint currently under threat due to the West Asia conflict.
"Both LPG availability and price stability have become issues of serious concern," Kharge stated. He reported that micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and commercial users are facing significant difficulties in securing LPG refills. Some establishments have reportedly ceased operations, while others are forced to pay exorbitant prices, with cylinders costing up to Rs 5000 each.
Government's Awareness and Lack of Preparedness
Kharge pointed out a critical inconsistency in the government's actions. While India issued advisories to its citizens in Iran, warning them of the deteriorating security situation, it allegedly failed to anticipate and prepare for the adverse impact on critical maritime routes and energy supplies.
"The government knew of the impending situation in the Strait of Hormuz. Had there been advance planning for LPG imports and alternative arrangements, we would not be facing this crisis," he asserted. He dismissed Petroleum Minister Hardeep Puri's claims of no LPG shortage, arguing that ground realities tell a different, more distressing story.
Nadda's Sharp Rebuttal
Leader of the House J P Nadda delivered a sharp rebuttal, accusing the Opposition of spreading anarchy and engaging in petty politics over the LPG shortage. He stressed that the government is managing a situation not of India's making but one caused purely by international developments.
Nadda reminded Kharge of Puri's earlier statement in the Lok Sabha regarding the LPG situation, noting that Congress MPs had not paid attention. In a pointed counterattack, Nadda claimed that a Congress leader was himself caught hoarding LPG, undermining the Opposition's credibility on the issue.
He urged the Opposition to stand with the government in navigating this external crisis, rather than exploiting it for political gain. The exchange underscores the deep political divisions and the urgent need for a cohesive strategy to address the energy security challenges posed by the volatile West Asia conflict.
