Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi joined Opposition MPs in a protest inside the Parliament complex over reports of LPG shortages across parts of the country. The protest comes amid growing concerns that the ongoing tensions in West Asia could disrupt global fuel supplies and impact India’s energy security.
Rahul Gandhi warned that the issue could soon turn into a major crisis if the government does not prepare immediately. He also blamed the Centre’s foreign policy for creating vulnerabilities in India’s energy supply chain.
Speaking during the protest, Rahul Gandhi said, “Gas is going to be a problem, petrol is going to be a problem, all fuel is going to be a problem because our energy security has been compromised. A flawed foreign policy has created this problem.”
Opposition leaders demanded that the government address the issue urgently before the situation worsens.
Opposition MPs Stage Protest Near Parliament Gate
Several Opposition MPs from parties including the Indian National Congress, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, Trinamool Congress, and Samajwadi Party staged a protest near Parliament’s Makar Dwar.
The MPs raised slogans targeting the government and demanded a full discussion in Parliament on the West Asia conflict and its possible impact on India’s fuel supply. Protesters shouted slogans such as “Naam Narendra, Kaam Surrender” and “Modi ji, LPG” while holding placards highlighting the LPG issue.
Women MPs also joined the agitation to symbolically highlight how gas shortages could affect households across the country.
Priyanka Gandhi Joins Symbolic Protest With Mock Stove
Among the protesting MPs was Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, who sat with other women MPs beside a mock brick cooking stove inside the Parliament premises.
The symbolic act was meant to highlight the possible hardships ordinary families could face if cooking gas supplies become irregular. Opposition leaders said the protest was intended to draw attention to the growing concerns among businesses and households dependent on LPG.
Rahul Gandhi Says He Was Not Allowed To Speak
Rahul Gandhi also expressed frustration about not being allowed to speak immediately in Parliament on the issue. According to him, he had requested permission to make a statement on the situation regarding LPG, gas and oil supplies.
He said, “Normally there is a procedure where you can ask to speak. I had asked to be allowed to make a statement about the situation in the country regarding LPG, gas and oil. This is just the beginning and I wanted to speak about it.”
He further added, “A new procedure seems to have started, a minister will decide first, then I will speak, and then the minister will reply. So let’s see what happens.”
Rahul Gandhi warned that the government must start preparing for a possible fuel crisis immediately. He said, “The government and the Prime Minister should start preparing immediately because if preparations are not made, crores of people could suffer.”
Restaurants And Food Businesses Feeling The Impact
Reports suggest that commercial LPG supplies used by restaurants and catering businesses are becoming irregular in some cities. As a result, many eateries and street food vendors are exploring alternatives such as induction cooktops, microwaves, firewood and solar cooking systems to keep their kitchens running.
The shortage has created anxiety across the hospitality sector, with some businesses fearing temporary closure if the situation continues for long.
In Delhi, several restaurants are reportedly running on limited LPG stocks that may last only a day or two. Industry representatives say the uncertainty has raised concerns about operations, staff wages and daily business continuity.
Government Says Domestic LPG Supply Is Safe
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has appealed to citizens not to panic over reports of fuel shortages.
He assured the public that the government is closely monitoring the situation and that the interests of the people will be protected. Authorities and oil companies have also reiterated that domestic LPG cylinders supplied to households remain secure.
However, the Opposition continues to push for a detailed debate in Parliament on the impact of the West Asia conflict on India’s energy security and fuel supply in the coming weeks.
