No shortage of LPG, Oppn. creating panic among public, says Fadnavis

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Saturday said there is no shortage of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders in the state, accusing Congress of spreading panic that has led to long queues at LPG distribution centres.

“The long queues are not because of the lack of shortage of LPG but the panic Congress has created, confusing people, forcing them to stand in line. The central government, secretaries have clarified that there is no shortage by Congress conspiring to mislead the country,” said Mr. Fadnavis, who also holds the Home Minister portfolio. 

He slammed Congress for instigating people and insulting the country and Prime Minister Narendra Modi while speaking to the media in Maharashtra’s Chandrapur district.

Mr. Fadnavis’ statement comes at a time when people are waiting in line for LPG cylinders, facing technical issues in booking the cylinders, facing delays in cylinder deliveries, and a price hike. The hospitality sector has been hit as the Centre restricted the commercial supply, prioritising the domestic supply.

Congress in Maharashtra has staged a protest against the price hike as oil marketing companies hiked the price of a 14.2-kg domestic LPG cylinder by Rs 60 and commercial cylinder by Rs 115 on March 7, and the government’s improper management of the smooth supply.

Taking a dig at Mr. Modi, Congress MP Varsha Gaikwad questioned where are those who thumped 56-inch chests, when citizens are forced to stand in queue in scorching heat for an LPG cylinder on the X.

Earlier, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut also criticised the BJP government for failing to address the issue, saying they are busy in the election campaign and have remained silent when at least 40 hotels in the industry have shut down due to the shortage.

“PM Modi has always answered the opposition with action. Top leaders in the US have appreciated him for his ability to bring unanimity among the countries, but leaders in our country are humiliating him, which should stop.