Punjab: AAP Govt Moves Resolution Against BJP Over LPG Rates, Shortage

The AAP government in Punjab on Wednesday moved a resolution in the state assembly against the Centre over the increase in LPG rates and the looming shortage of commercial cylinders, and expressed concern it would hit restaurants, eateries and other sectors. The resolution against the BJP-led Union government was moved by Punjab Food and Civil Supplies Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak. Several state ministers and legislators spoke on the issue. The resolution blamed the Union government for its "wrong policies" and causing hardships to people in the wake of the LPG shortage. 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.

He also cited news reports suggesting that the businesses of restaurants and eateries will be affected adversely in the wake of shortage of LPG. Participating in the discussion, Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains described the situation as serious and said the country was facing a crisis due to the "failure" of the BJP government's foreign policy. He also said two National Fertilizers Limited plants at Nangal and Bathinda were almost shut.

Accusing the BJP government of keeping people in the dark, he demanded that the Centre provide information about fuel and LPG stocks. Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said oils 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. With the expanding conflict between Iran and the US-Israel combine disrupting global fuel lifelines, including India's LPG supplies, the government has prioritised domestic cooking gas supply to households, leading to a supply crunch for hotels and restaurants which use commercial LPG.