A political confrontation has intensified over the LPG supply situation after Aam Aadmi Party national convener Arvind Kejriwal alleged that the Centre has curtailed commercial LPG distribution and questioned the Union government’s geopolitical choices. He claimed that commercial establishments across the country, except essential institutions like schools and hospitals, were no longer receiving LPG supplies and warned that the gas and oil situation could deteriorate further. Kejriwal also suggested that India might be bearing the consequences of the Centre’s foreign policy decisions, alleging that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was compromising national interests amid global tensions.
The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas responded by announcing steps to prioritise household LPG supply in view of global disruptions affecting fuel availability. It said oil refineries have been directed to increase LPG production and channel additional output toward domestic consumption. To prevent hoarding and black marketing, authorities introduced a 25-day inter-booking gap for domestic cylinders. Imported non-domestic LPG supplies are being reserved for critical sectors such as hospitals and educational institutions. The ministry also constituted a committee of executive directors from oil marketing companies to examine supply requests from restaurants, hotels and other commercial users.
Government sources rejected claims of a nationwide crisis, stating that supplies have stabilised after temporary disruptions. Officials said LPG production has risen by about 10 percent after refineries began operating at full capacity. Authorities have invoked provisions of the Essential Commodities Act to curb hoarding and maintain smooth distribution, while clarifying that the Essential Services Maintenance Act has not been used. The government also cautioned the public against unverified social media claims that could create panic.
AAP leaders continued their criticism. Senior party leader Manish Sisodia said that government assurances about adequate supply had been contradicted by emergency control measures, including diversion orders to refineries and extended booking timelines. He added that the West Asia conflict was now affecting livelihoods, with eateries, hotels and small businesses facing operational strain due to limited commercial gas availability. AAP MP Sanjay Singh also criticised the Prime Minister, linking the fuel situation to foreign policy decisions and strained ties with Iran, and said businesses in multiple cities were facing rising costs and supply challenges.
The developments come amid broader stress in global energy markets driven by geopolitical tensions in West Asia and supply chain disruptions. Government officials maintained that ministries and energy firms are coordinating with international partners to ensure India’s energy needs are met without interruption.
