In Bengaluru, Karnataka Assembly members debated the shortage of commercial LPG cylinders on Wednesday. The ruling Congress and opposition BJP made accusations, while the government urged the public to limit LPG consumption during the global crisis.
K.H. Muniyappa, Minister of Food and Civil Supplies, stated that the state government had already held discussions with oil companies and assured that domestic consumers would receive at least one LPG cylinder for use over 25 days. He emphasized that the domestic supply would not be affected.
He explained that the supply chain had been disrupted due to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran. He mentioned that meetings were held with Indian Oil, BPCL, HPCL, and GAIL, along with the Secretary and Commissioner.
Muniyappa clarified that domestic LPG supply would be prioritized. He stated that domestic consumers would have no problem, and a minimum of one cylinder would be provided for a family, allowing for 25 days of use. If the conflict ends, full supply would resume. He also noted that domestic production currently stands at 25-30%, and other consumption methods have been curtailed.
Muniyappa urged Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to direct officials to ensure minimum supply to households and to encourage the public to use LPG cautiously. He requested that people limit their LPG cylinder usage and avoid additional consumption, ensuring minimal usage and discouraging the demand for extra cylinders.
Congress MLA K.H. Ranganath raised the issue during Zero Hour, stating that the shortage of commercial LPG cylinders was affecting restaurants and small hotels across the state.
Ranganath explained that the shortage was severe in many cities, and restaurants and small hotels depended entirely on these cylinders. He also pointed out that the food industry, including Karnataka and Bengaluru, had been affected by the war situation, leading to the closure of several restaurants.
Ranganath further alleged that commercial users were being forced to buy cylinders at high prices.
BJP MLAs strongly objected to this statement and urged Ranganath to refrain from politicizing the issue.
IT and BT Minister Priyank Kharge also criticised the Centre, stating that the public panic was due to conflicting statements from Union ministers.
Kharge cited examples of statements from Union ministers, including one on February 9 stating that the country had enough LPG stock for 45 days, and another on March 6 stating that there was no shortage. He also mentioned that the Centre had increased the domestic cylinder price by Rs 60 and the commercial cylinder price by Rs 120 on the same day.
Questioning the Centre's handling of the situation, Kharge asked: "What happened to the foreign policy and where is Prime Minister Narendra Modi today?"
Kharge also made a sarcastic remark about the Centre, saying it was busy wishing film actress Rashmika Mandanna while failing to address the crisis.
Siddaramaiah emphasized that the responsibility for supplying LPG cylinders rested with the Central government. He stated that the Centre had to ensure the supply.
However, BJP MLA V. Sunil Kumar said the shortage was a global issue due to the war and accused the state government of politicizing the matter.
Opposition Leader R. Ashoka accused the Chief Minister and ministers of turning the issue into a political controversy.
He also alleged that Siddaramaiah had encouraged protests by hotel owners.
Siddaramaiah clarified that he had not called for protests. He stated that hotel owners had said they would protest if commercial cylinders were not supplied, and he only acknowledged their concern. He denied that he had provoked them to launch a strike.
BJP state President and MLA B.Y. Vijayendra criticised Kharge, saying he should confine his remarks to his own portfolios.
Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao said the hospitality sector was already facing serious difficulties.
Reiterating the government's position, Muniyappa stated that about 70% of LPG supply comes from outside sources, and the disruption of shipments had affected availability.
He explained that ten vessels had not been allowed to dock, and that one cylinder would be provided to each family once in 25 days. A 14-kg cylinder can be used by a family of four to five members for about one to one-and-a-half months.
Muniyappa also stated that the government would restrict additional bookings and take strict action against black marketing. He urged commercial establishments to cooperate during the crisis, as hospitals, schools, and hostels would be given priority.
He added that weekly meetings would be held with oil companies to monitor the supply situation and ensure that domestic consumers do not face shortages.
