Rahul Gandhi Raises LPG Crisis in Parliament, Government Responds

During the ongoing Parliament Budget Session 2026, the issue of the Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG) crunch and rising prices took centre stage in the Lok Sabha on Thursday, March 12, 2026. Leader of the Opposition, Rahul Gandhi, moved an adjournment motion, seeking an immediate discussion on the reported nationwide LPG crisis and its significant impact on households across India. The Parliament's Budget Session for 2026 commenced on January 28, 2026, and is scheduled to continue until April 2, 2026, with a planned recess between its two phases. This session is a critical period for discussing national financial plans, government spending, and economic priorities. The concern over LPG affordability and availability is highly pertinent. On March 7, 2026, the price of domestic liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders was sharply increased by ₹60 across the country, making a 14.2 kg non-subsidised cylinder cost around ₹913 in Delhi. This hike was primarily attributed to oil marketing companies adjusting rates in response to higher energy costs and ongoing geopolitical conflicts in West Asia, which have disrupted global supply chains. Beyond price hikes, reports have also indicated a shortage of LPG supply, particularly affecting commercial users like hotels and restaurants in major Indian cities. In response to these supply concerns and to manage demand, the government introduced a new rule on March 12, 2026, mandating a 25-day gap between domestic LPG cylinder bookings, extending it from the previous 21-day interval. Rahul Gandhi, along with other opposition MPs from parties like the Congress, DMK, TMC, and SP, staged protests within the Parliament premises, raising slogans and demanding answers from the government. He highlighted that India's energy security has been compromised, warning of broader challenges if the government does not adequately prepare. Gandhi also criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi, alleging that the PM was "panicked" over unrelated issues like the Adani case and the Epstein files, rather than addressing the LPG crisis directly. In response to the growing concerns, the government has provided assurances and outlined measures. Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Sujata Sharma, stated that India's crude oil and gas supplies remain secure despite global uncertainties. She urged against panic buying, assuring that domestic LPG consumers would receive their cylinders within approximately 2.5 days of booking. The government has taken steps to enhance domestic LPG production. On March 8, 2026, an order was issued directing refineries and petrochemical complexes to maximise LPG production by diverting various streams into the LPG pool. These measures have reportedly led to a significant increase in domestic LPG output, with some reports citing a 25% rise and others mentioning a 10% increase. The entire augmented domestic production is being directed towards household consumers. Furthermore, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has invoked provisions under the Essential Commodities Act to prioritise domestic LPG supply, ensuring that household requirements are met. A three-member committee comprising Executive Directors from oil marketing companies has also been formed to review LPG allocations for commercial sectors, balancing demand across various user groups. While the government has absorbed a significant part of the cost increase to protect consumers, LPG prices in India are influenced by international energy markets, government policies, and domestic supply dynamics. The Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) continues to provide subsidies for low-income households, with beneficiaries receiving ₹300 per 14.2 kg cylinder for the fiscal year ending March 2026, though the number of refills was lowered to 9 per year. This ongoing dialogue in Parliament underscores the critical importance of energy security and affordability for the Indian populace.

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