New Delhi

Manickam Tagore, a Member of Parliament from the Indian National Congress, on Tuesday criticised the Centre over the reported shortage of commercial Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) cylinders, saying the Opposition had earlier warned about an energy security challenge arising from the ongoing conflict in West Asia.

Speaking to ANI, Tagore said the government had failed to recognise the possible consequences of the conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran, and had also avoided discussing the issue in Parliament.

“We sought a discussion in Parliament yesterday. Rahul Gandhi had clearly warned that energy security could face a major crisis. Instead of addressing the issue, the ruling side is blaming the Opposition,” Tagore said, adding that many countries were responding to the crisis while India had not taken adequate steps.

Amid the concerns, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has directed oil refineries to step up LPG production and ensure that the additional supply is prioritised for domestic consumption. The move comes in response to disruptions in the global fuel supply chain caused by geopolitical tensions.

Earlier in the day, Tejasvi Surya, BJP MP from Bengaluru South, wrote to Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, raising concerns about a possible shortage of LPG cylinders and urging the government to ensure steady supply for the hospitality sector.

In a post on X, Surya said the issue had been brought to the minister’s attention and that a high-priority panel had been set up to ensure uninterrupted LPG supply to non-domestic users, including hotels.

The BJP leader said the concerns were conveyed by the Bangalore Hotel Association, which highlighted that many businesses in the hospitality industry rely heavily on commercial LPG cylinders.

Meanwhile, the Opposition alliance INDIA bloc is considering bringing a resolution to move a no-confidence motion against Om Birla, the Speaker of the Lok Sabha.

Tagore said the matter would be discussed in the alliance’s upcoming meeting. “There is nothing personal against the Speaker, but the neutrality of the office must be maintained. Through his actions, he should not undermine Opposition leaders or the Leader of the Opposition,” he said.

According to Opposition leaders, 118 MPs have signed the motion alleging “partisan behaviour” by the Speaker after Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition, was reportedly not allowed to speak in the House.

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The resolution will be moved only if the House grants leave, which is required for such a motion to proceed.