Senior Congress leader and Leader of the Opposition in India’s Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, on Thursday voiced concern over a potential shortage of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) in India as tensions continue to escalate across West Asia.
Gandhi warned that the ongoing geopolitical instability in the region—one of the world’s most critical energy supply corridors—could disrupt fuel supplies and affect millions of households that rely on LPG for cooking. He urged the Central government to immediately reassess its preparedness and adopt a more proactive approach to safeguard the country’s energy security.
Speaking to reporters outside Parliament, Gandhi said he had attempted to raise the issue in the Lok Sabha but was not allowed to make a statement. He criticized the government for what he described as a lack of urgency in addressing the potential risks stemming from the regional conflict.
“The government must change its mindset and start preparing for possible shortages,” Gandhi said, emphasizing that disruptions in energy imports could have serious consequences for ordinary citizens if contingency measures are not put in place in time.
India imports a significant portion of its LPG requirements from the Middle East, making the country vulnerable to supply shocks during periods of conflict or instability in the region. Analysts warn that prolonged tensions or disruptions to shipping routes could affect both supply availability and prices.
The opposition leader called on the government to present a clear plan to ensure uninterrupted LPG supply and protect consumers from potential price spikes, especially at a time when global energy markets remain volatile due to the unfolding crisis in West Asia.
His remarks come as several countries monitor the situation closely, amid concerns that escalating military and political tensions could impact energy transportation routes and global fuel markets.
