‘Still have a bit of time left’: LoP Rahul warns ‘big problem coming’, urges govt to prepare for looming fuel crisis

With the US-Israel war against Iran spiraling out of control and the entire Middle East region bearing the brunt of it, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi on Thursday warned that a “big problem is coming” and that we still have a bit of time left to prepare for the looming fuel crisis.

Raising his concern over the shortage of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), the Congress leader said that the fuel crisis would get even bigger in the coming days, urging the Narendra Modi-led government to ensure the interests and energy requirements of Indians remain protected.

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Rahul said that the energy security of India has been “compromised” due to the “flawed” foreign policy.

“All fuel is going to be a problem because essentially our energy security has been compromised. Flawed foreign policy has created this problem. Now we have to prepare. We still have a bit of time left. The government and the Prime Minister should instantly start the preparations; otherwise crores of people will suffer great losses,” he told reporters outside the Parliament.

The LoP also claimed that he wanted to raise the issue of LPG shortage in the Parliament but wasn’t allowed to make a statement.

“Normally, the procedure is that you can ask to talk. So I asked to be allowed to make a statement about the LPG gas and oil situation in the country. But a new procedure has started where the Minister will first decide, then I will speak, then the Minister will reply,” he added.

His remarks come amid reports of LPG shortage across the country. Certain states have stopped new bookings for commercial LPG, while long queues are also being seen outside the domestic LPG centres.

The government has assured that India has comfortable stocks and urged people not to panic-buy. In order to manage the crisis, the government has also invoked the Essential Commodities Act and rejigged LPG allocations.

In-house production has also been increased as the conflict in the Middle East disrupted global supply and production of crude oil, LPG and LNG.