Bengaluru

D. K. Shivakumar, Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka, on Thursday urged BJP MPs from the state to raise the issue of LPG shortage in Parliament and seek a resolution.

Speaking to reporters at his residence in Sadashivanagar, Shivakumar said MPs should highlight the problems faced by people due to the shortage of LPG cylinders.

“The MPs speak on all kinds of issues. Instead, they should raise the issue of LPG shortage in Parliament and get justice for the people of the state,” he said.

Shivakumar said the shortage of LPG cylinders was causing difficulties for the public and criticised BJP MPs for not raising the issue.

“The shortage of LPG cylinders is causing a lot of problems for the public. But none of the BJP MPs are speaking up on this issue. The price hike for LPG is also affecting people, but the state government can’t do anything about it as the Centre is responsible for LPG prices,” he said.

He also criticised the Centre’s stance on foreign policy and said the government should ensure that people do not face inconvenience due to the situation.

“The stand of the Centre on the issue is condemnable. It must ensure that there is no inconvenience to the people. We don’t know how worse the situation will get. Autorickshaws running on LPG have already stopped plying,” he added.

Earlier on Tuesday, Shivakumar had accused the Government of India of failing to respond adequately to the shortage of commercial LPG cylinders, warning that it could severely affect hotels, hospitals and other establishments.

He said the shortage could force restaurants and hotels across the country to shut operations due to lack of cooking gas, which could also lead to a rise in prices.

“Today, the entire country is boiling. All hotels want to close because they don’t have gas. All prices will shoot up. Everyone has to look at alternatives like firewood, electric stoves or kerosene stoves,” he said.

Shivakumar also called for a broader debate on the issue in Parliament, urging the Centre to clarify its position and involve all MPs in discussions.

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The remarks come amid reports of a shortage of commercial LPG cylinders in several areas following disruptions linked to the ongoing crisis in West Asia, raising concerns among restaurant owners, hotel operators and other businesses that rely heavily on gas supplies for daily operations.