New Delhi
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Thursday called for a discussion in Parliament on reports of a shortage of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), saying the legislature should address public concerns and provide assurances on the issue.
Speaking to reporters, Tharoor said Parliament was the appropriate forum to deliberate on such matters and inform citizens about the situation.
“Such issues should be discussed in Parliament. The government should be informed. You know how long the lines are for LPG cylinders,” he said.
Highlighting the impact of the reported shortage, Tharoor said some restaurants were struggling to operate due to a lack of cooking gas.
“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? Prices have also increased,” he said, adding that the government should address the issue and reassure the public.
The reported shortage has affected several parts of the country. In Bhopal in Madhya Pradesh, restaurants have shifted to induction cooking to keep operations running as tensions in the Middle East disrupt energy supply chains and shipping through the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
Residents in Bhopal were also seen waiting in long queues outside gas agencies to obtain LPG cylinders and refuel their two-wheelers.
In Mangaluru in Karnataka, the administration of the Kadri Shri Manjunatha Temple has turned to traditional firewood to prepare its daily annaprasada following the sudden shortage of cooking gas.
Temple authorities said the alternative method was adopted to ensure that meals for around 1,500 devotees continued without interruption.
READ MORE: DySP Santosh Kumar's emotional reunion with Habib Mastar Sir
Meanwhile, the Centre said domestic LPG production has increased by about 25 per cent and that the entire domestic output is being directed toward household consumers. Authorities added that non-domestic LPG supplies are being prioritised for essential sectors such as hospitals and educational institutions.
