‘War has reached every kitchen’: CPI(M) MP slams Centre on LPG crisis

New Delhi: Communist Party of India (Marxist) MP John Brittas slammed the Centre over its handling of the LPG supply chain disruption, urging the government to take proactive measures. He highlighted the impact of the crisis on the livelihoods of the people, stating that the "war has reached every kitchen in the country".

He further criticised the Modi government's previous assurances regarding the gas stock. He further expressed concerns over the safety and livelihood of the Indian expatriates in the Middle-East amid the escalating tensions.

Also Read: Daily domestic LPG output raised by 25%: Petroleum ministry official


"The PM's rhetoric in Kerala is far from the reality that the country is facing. The war has reached every kitchen in this country. Restaurants are closing due to a shortage. This is affecting every sector. The assurance of the govt was that there was ample stock. Today, there is an actual crisis because of the negligence of this govt. One crore Indians are in Gulf countries, and we are concerned about their safety and livelihood. War has created hardship for them. We want the government to take proactive measures," he told ANI.

However, Jammu and Kashmir Minister Sakina Itoo said that there was no LPG shortage in the state.

"There is no such situation in J&K. We have no such shortage of LPG. When something like this happens, the government is there," she told reporters.

What is the LPG crisis in India?

Daily domestic output of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), used predominantly as cooking fuel, has increased 25% as refineries have started maximising production, said a petroleum and natural gas ministry official.

India is facing an LPG crunch as supplies from the Gulf region have stopped due to the Iran war. About 60% of domestic LPG consumption is imported, and 90% of those imports pass through the now choked Strait of Hormuz, Sujata Sharma, joint secretary in the ministry, said at a press conference.

Also Read: Food and beverage outlets near shutdown, unable to fulfil online orders amid LPG crisis

The 25% increase in domestic output would be equivalent to about 10% of total national daily consumption. Sharma advised households against panic booking of cooking gas. Several refineries are operating at 100% or more capacity, she said, adding that India's crude supply remains secure.

The reactions come after the Centre had recently announced a price hike of Rs 60 for cooking LPG cylinders amid the ongoing West Asia conflict.

Following the hike, the non-subsidised prices of LPG cylinders stand at Rs 913 in Delhi, Rs 939 in Kolkata, Rs 912 in Mumbai, and Rs 928 in Chennai. The difference in prices across states comes from the applicable taxes levied by the state government.

The government has mandated a new 25-day inter-booking period for domestic LPG refills.

With inputs from ANI