The ongoing West Asia conflict has had a ripple effect on India's cooking gas supply, sparking a fiery clash in the Rajya Sabha between Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of the House JP Nadda.
Kharge questioned the government's failure to arrange alternatives to prevent supply disruptions, highlighting the hardships faced by the poor, middle class, small eateries and restaurants due to the unavailability of cooking gas.
He pointed out that India imports nearly 60% of its LPG requirement, with about 90% passing through the Strait of Hormuz, making the country vulnerable to geopolitical disruptions.
Kharge also highlighted the lack of a coordinated response and alternative arrangements from the government, despite knowing that the energy supply would be affected.
He stated that the crisis has led to soaring prices of LPG cylinders, with several establishments shutting down operations and others resorting to buying cylinders at rates exceeding ₹5,000 per cylinder.
Nadda responded by accusing the Opposition of trying to bring anarchy in the country and politicising the issue.
He said that the crisis is an international situation and not because of India, and that the petroleum minister had made a detailed statement in the House, which the Opposition did not want to listen to.
Nadda also accused a Congress leader of hoarding cylinders.
