New Delhi

A day after Narendra Modi urged citizens not to panic over reports of an LPG shortage, saying India would overcome the crisis as it did during the COVID-19 pandemic, Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Thursday expressed hope that the Prime Minister’s assurance proves correct but voiced doubts about the situation.

Responding briefly to reporters, Priyanka Gandhi said, “I hope he is right, but it doesn’t look like it.”

Rahul Gandhi, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, also criticised the government, warning that the LPG issue could worsen in the coming days and urging the Prime Minister to safeguard citizens’ interests and energy needs.

“All fuel is going to be a problem because essentially our energy security has been compromised. Flawed foreign policy has created this problem. Now we have to prepare. We still have a bit of time left. The government and the Prime Minister should instantly start the preparations; otherwise crores of people will suffer great losses,” he said.

Rahul Gandhi added that the ongoing conflict in West Asia could lead to a larger global instability affecting energy security.

“This war is fundamentally about the current world order. We’re entering an unstable time. During this time, you have to change your mindset and ensure that our people do not suffer heavy losses,” he said, adding that the government must ensure India’s energy security is protected.

Leaders of the INDIA bloc have also demanded a discussion in Parliament on the reported shortage of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG).

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor called for a debate in Parliament, saying it is the appropriate platform to address public concerns.

“Such issues should be discussed in Parliament. The government should be informed. You know how long the lines are for LPG cylinders… Some restaurants have said they don’t have the gas to cook food; they can provide tea but not ‘dosa’. Is this the situation in the country now?” he said.

Tharoor also pointed to rising LPG prices and urged the government to reassure the public.

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The government has said that steps taken to address the situation have increased domestic LPG production by about 25 per cent and that the entire output is being directed towards household consumers.