Jaipur, March 12 The opposition Congress intensified its attack on the Centre and the Rajasthan government over uncertainty in LPG supplies, saying people are forced to stand in long queues for gas cylinders like during demonetisation.
Rajasthan Congress president Govind Singh Dotasra said that the BJP governments at the Centre and in the state have failed to handle the situation and have left people to deal with the crisis on their own.
The Rajasthan government has denied that there was any shortage of LPG supplies.
"Just like people were made to stand in queues during demonetisation, they are now being forced to queue up for gas cylinders," Dotasra told reporters at the party's war room here.
He said that if the West Asia conflict continues, the situation would worsen further and would also affect the availability of petrol and diesel.
Dotasra also raised the issue of the Rajasthan refinery project and claimed that construction work has already been completed but its inauguration is pending.
"If production from the refinery begins, it could provide some relief during the current crisis," he said.
The Pradesh Congress Committee chief alleged that the suspension of bookings for commercial LPG cylinders has hit several sectors, forcing restaurants, hostels and roadside eateries to shut operations and leading to job losses among workers.
Dotasra said that the government should waive electricity bills of industries and institutions affected by the crisis and announce a relief package for workers who have lost jobs.
Accusing the government of failing to manage the situation, he alleged that hoarding and black marketing of LPG cylinders are increasing while prices have been raised instead of offering relief.
Leader of Opposition in Rajasthan Assembly Tikaram Jully demanded that the government issue a white paper on the LPG situation.
"The government should disclose the available stock of LPG cylinders and explain what contingency plan it has if the conflict continues for a longer period," Jully said.
He claimed that the suspension of commercial LPG bookings has pushed many industries to the brink of closure and created panic among consumers.
Jully said that demand for coal and firewood has increased by around 25 per cent following the gas crisis.
He also alleged that black marketing of cylinders is rising and asked the government to clarify how it plans to control the situation.
"The government cannot remain silent during such a crisis. It must act immediately to reassure people and ensure supplies," he said.
Responding to the allegations, Rajasthan Food and Civil Supplies Minister Sumit Godara said that the situation is under control. "Domestic LPG cylinders are available and there is no shortage," Godara said, accusing the Congress of making unfounded allegations.
He acknowledged that commercial LPG cylinders are currently not available but said most hotels and restaurants have made alternative arrangements.
"Some small eateries are facing difficulties, but the situation will improve in a few days. The Government of India is working on it and officials are monitoring the situation on the ground to prevent black marketing," he said.
On the other hand, disruption in commercial LPG supply has triggered a surge in demand for alternative cooking fuels such as coal, firewood and electric induction cooktops.
"The demand for induction cooktops has been increasing for the last couple of days," a dealer in Jaipur's Jayanti market said.
Hotel industry representatives said the abrupt disruption has made operations difficult.
The disruption in commercial LPG distribution has also triggered anxiety among households and domestic consumers are also rushing to gas agencies to refill cylinders in advance.
However, district administration officials also asserted that there is no crisis of domestic LPG cylinders.
