Bengaluru, March 11 Karnataka Minister for Food and Civil Supplies K H Muniyappa said on Wednesday that there is no need for concern over LPG supplies, as oil companies have assured that every family will receive at least one domestic cylinder a month.
Addressing the assembly, he said that the supply of commercial gas will be prioritized for essential services such as hospitals and student hostels, while urging hotels and convention halls to cooperate.
The House witnessed commotion over the issue, with heated exchanges between the ruling and opposition benches.
Some Congress legislators and Ministers tried to blame the central government for the crisis, while the BJP accused the ruling party of "playing politics" over a situation triggered by the US-Iran conflict.
"Due to the US-Iran war, ships are not coming; they have been stopped. Along with our secretary and commissioner, I held a meeting with oil companies – BPCL, HPCL, Indian Oil and GAIL. There is no issue with domestic gas; one cylinder will last a family for a minimum of 25 days and will be supplied. There will be an option to supply more cylinders if the war stops," Muniyappa said.
He said that priority is being given to domestic supplies. "I request people not to use gas excessively, considering the present situation. They should ensure minimum use and not store or book additional cylinders unnecessarily."
Noting that discussions were held with companies following Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's instructions, the Minister said that the companies reported no supply problems in the last 10 days.
"They (companies) have said that their own production is to the tune of 20-30 per cent, and 70 per cent comes from other countries. Due to the Iran-Israel war, about ten vessels carrying oil to India are not allowed to move. Despite the situation, the companies will supply one cylinder to a family in 25 days. As per law, one cylinder of 14 kg can be used by a family of 4-5 people for one to one-and-a-half month," he said.
Muniyappa stated that the Essential Commodities Act was in place, and warned of action against black marketing or attempts to book multiple cylinders.
"The Essential Commodities Act is in place, and we will take action in accordance with the law in case of any violations," he said.
The Minister appealed to everyone to cooperate as the country faces difficulties due to conflict in West Asia.
Commercial gas supplies will be ensured to essential services such as hospitals and student hostels, he said, "Hotels, those operating marriages and convention halls should cooperate in these difficult times, because we will have to look at the consumers first." Hotels are facing a bit of difficulty."
Weekly review meetings will be held with the oil companies under the leadership of the Food and Civil Supplies department secretary, and a report regarding this should be submitted to the CM.
"There is no need to worry. I appeal for prudent use of gas during the war and for cooperation. This is the situation across the country, but it can address the crisis by ensuring supplies. Everyone should cooperate," he added.
Raising the issue during the Zero hour, Congress MLA Ranganath said a shortage of commercial LPG cylinders has arisen in the state.
He attributed the crisis to Modi government's weak foreign policy.
His remarks triggered protests by opposition BJP members, who accused him of "politicising" the conflict situation.
Heated exchanges between the treasury and opposition benches led to chaotic scenes.
Minister Priyank Kharge claimed that public concern has grown after the central government's statement in Parliament on the country's energy reserve.
On March 6, the Union Petroleum Minister said there is no shortage, but on March 7 the central government increased the prices of domestic and commercial gas cylinders.
"On March 10, the Centre invokes Essential Services Maintenance Act. The ESMA is invoked during a crisis," he said, as he accused the union government of "lying" in Parliament on the issue and indulging in politics.
Kharge's comments, which referred to PM Modi's ties with US President Donald Trump and Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu, enraged the BJP members.
At this point, CM Siddaramaiah intervened, asking, "Who has to supply gas? It is the Centre; this is what we are saying. Priyank Kharge is saying what the central minister said in Parliament."
The BJP legislators tried to counter by pointing to the alleged failures of the state government.
There was also a sharp exchange between the CM and Leader of Opposition R Ashoka, who accused the CM of "irresponsible behaviour and politicising" the commercial gas supply issue by supporting the shutdown by hotels and restaurants.
Siddaramaiah denied the allegation, saying, "I did not instigate them for a shutdown."