Karnataka Minister Eshwara Khandre has criticized the Centre for the ongoing commercial LPG cylinder shortage, saying the Union government should have foreseen the crisis caused by escalating tensions in West Asia and taken preventive steps to maintain uninterrupted supply. Speaking to reporters in Bidar, Khandre emphasized that the Union government, particularly Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, should have been better prepared given the already rising tensions in the region. He added that proper planning could have avoided the current disruption affecting businesses and consumers across multiple states.

“The central government is responsible. Mr. Hardeep Singh Puri and the Centre should have implemented all preventive measures since the situation was predictable. They should explore alternative sources for gas, petrol, and diesel to ensure citizens do not face such difficulties,” Khandre stated. The comments come amid reports of LPG shortages in several areas of the country, forcing hotels and small businesses to find alternate cooking solutions. In Hyderabad, some hotels have reverted to traditional firewood stoves, while many migrant workers are repairing old pump stoves due to the unavailability of gas cylinders. This surge in demand has overwhelmed stove repair shops.

Sofiyan, a mechanic in Chikkadpally, noted that more people are seeking stove repairs, as migrant workers, restricted from using firewood by landlords, are turning to pump stoves fueled by diesel since kerosene is unavailable. The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has assured that petrol and diesel supplies are sufficient nationwide, though the LPG shortage remains a “matter of concern” for the government.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.