Samajwadi Party chief and former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav on Sunday sharply criticised the central government over concerns related to LPG availability and rising fuel prices, referring to the cooking fuel as “laapata gas,” meaning “missing gas.” His remarks came amid disruptions in global energy supplies caused by escalating tensions in West Asia.
Speaking at a press conference in Mumbai, Yadav accused the government of failing to manage the impact of international developments on domestic fuel supply and prices. He said that LPG, which stands for liquefied petroleum gas, was increasingly becoming unavailable to ordinary consumers, prompting him to mockingly rename it “laapata gas.”
During his remarks, Yadav also linked the issue to broader concerns about rising prices of essential commodities. He said the cost of petrol, diesel and daily necessities had increased significantly, adding to the financial burden on households.
In the same press conference, Yadav also made remarks about Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s foreign policy, particularly in the context of the ongoing conflict in West Asia. Referring to the Prime Minister’s recent diplomatic visit to Israel, Yadav suggested that Modi had missed an opportunity to play a role in reducing tensions between Israel and Iran.
He argued that if the Prime Minister had extended his visit to include Iran, it could have demonstrated India’s ability to act as a global mediator. According to Yadav, such a step could have strengthened India’s image as a global leader, an idea often referred to by the term “vishwaguru,” meaning a nation that guides the world.
The Samajwadi Party leader suggested that if the Prime Minister had positioned himself between the two countries and advocated strongly for peace, it could have elevated India’s diplomatic standing internationally. He even referred to an earlier instance when the Prime Minister had made an unannounced visit to another country, implying that a similar initiative could have been taken during the current crisis.
Yadav’s comments came at a time when tensions in the Middle East have disrupted global oil and gas supply chains. The conflict has led to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow maritime passage between Iran and Oman that serves as one of the world’s most important routes for transporting crude oil and petroleum products.
Despite these disruptions, the Indian government has maintained that domestic LPG supplies remain sufficient. Officials have stated that available stocks are being prioritised for essential uses such as household cooking and hospital services.
However, reports from several parts of the country indicate that supply disruptions are already affecting consumers and businesses. Two Indian LPG carriers, named Shivalik and Nanda Devi, managed to pass through the Strait of Hormuz early on Saturday and are currently travelling toward ports in Gujarat.
The vessels are expected to arrive at Mundra and Kandla ports on March 16 and 17 respectively. Together, the two ships are carrying approximately 92,700 tonnes of liquefied petroleum gas.
At the same time, several other LPG shipments remain delayed due to the volatile situation in the region. According to Rajesh Kumar Sinha, Special Secretary in the Ministry of Shipping, around 22 vessels carrying LPG cargo are currently waiting for clearance while authorities coordinate with regional governments to ensure safe passage through the affected shipping routes.
The supply constraints have begun affecting businesses in the hospitality sector across the country. Many restaurants have been forced to adjust their operations due to uncertainty in fuel availability.
In Delhi’s Connaught Place, several eateries have reduced their menu offerings and limited bookings for large groups in order to conserve cooking gas. Some establishments have also started using alternative fuel sources such as coal and wood to continue operating.
Similar adjustments are being made in cities such as Chennai and other parts of Tamil Nadu, where restaurants and hotels are exploring alternative cooking methods to manage the shortage.
Retail distribution centres have also reported increased pressure. In West Bengal, including in Kolkata, long queues have been seen outside LPG distribution centres as consumers attempt to secure cooking gas cylinders.
Meanwhile, authorities in Uttar Pradesh have intensified enforcement measures to prevent black marketing of LPG cylinders. Officials have conducted raids at 1,483 locations across the state and have arrested six individuals accused of illegally selling cooking gas at inflated prices.
