Chandigarh, March 11 The Punjab government moved a resolution in the state assembly on Wednesday, alleging that a foreign policy failure by the Centre has led to a hike in LPG rates, and expressed concern that the looming shortage of commercial cylinders would affect restaurants, eateries, and other sectors.
The resolution against the Union government was moved by Punjab Food and Civil Supplies Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak. Several ministers of the AAP government and legislators spoke on the issue.
The resolution blamed the Union government for its "wrong policies" and causing hardship to people in the wake of the LPG shortage.
The Speaker stated that the resolution has been formally tabled and that a full discussion on the matter would take place in the assembly on Thursday.
The MLAs emphasised a strong sense of urgency in the matter as reports of LPG shortages have begun to create panic among consumers, restaurants, 'dhabas', and small traders across Punjab.
Moving the resolution, Kataruchak said that the House records its deep concern and dissatisfaction over the situation arising in the country due to the Union government's "failed foreign policy and imbalanced energy policy".
He noted that the present circumstances in India are not merely the result of international developments but are also a consequence of what he described as a "weak, inconsistent, and directionless foreign policy".
The minister warned that the country's energy security is now facing a serious threat, with alarming reports of LPG shortages emerging from several parts of the country.
"Reports are emerging about a severe shortage of LPG supply. Because of this, restaurants, dhabas, small traders, and ordinary consumers across the country are facing a serious crisis," Kataruchak said.
The National Restaurant Association, representing more than five lakh restaurants in the country, has warned that if LPG supplies are not normalised within the next 72 hours, thousands of restaurants and food establishments may be forced to shut down, he said.
The minister also pointed out that the crisis is clearly visible in Punjab as well, where the supply of commercial gas cylinders has been disrupted in several eateries and small hotel operators are being forced to wait for long periods to get cylinders.
Kataruchak said the rates of domestic LPG cylinders and commercial cylinders were raised by Rs 60 and Rs 115 respectively, putting an additional burden on consumers.
Participating in the discussion, Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains said the country was facing a crisis due to the "failure" of the BJP government's foreign policy. He also said two National Fertilisers Limited (NFL) plants at Nangal and Bathinda were almost shut.
"Where will our urea come from? Our kharif crops sowing is due. It is a serious issue linked to the livelihood of our farmers. While Punjab's plants are starved of gas and shut down, the NFL's Panipat plant continues to receive 100 per cent supply. This is blatant discrimination against Punjab," he said, warning that the situation is merely the tip of the iceberg.
"If left unchecked, the country could soon face a crippling petrol and diesel shortage. Tomorrow, they will say there is no petrol or diesel. It will not stop at fields. Our hostels will close their messes, our tourism industry will collapse and it will even impact our armed forces. This issue touches every kitchen in the country," he added.
Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said oil stocks in the country are on a decline and expressed apprehension of an economic crisis in the country. AAP MLAs even raised slogans against the BJP government over this matter.