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

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

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

While speaking to the media in Maharashtra’s Chandrapur district, he criticized the Congress for instigating people and insulting the country and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Mr. Fadnavis’ statement comes at a time when people are waiting in queues for LPG cylinders, facing technical problems in booking cylinders, delays in cylinder deliveries and price hikes. The hospitality industry has been hit as the center restricts commercial supply and prioritizes local supply.

The Congress in Maharashtra has protested against the price hike as oil marketing companies increased the price of 14.2 kg domestic LPG cylinder by Rs 60 and commercial cylinder by Rs 115 on March 7 and the government mismanaged smooth supply.

Scolding Mr Modi, Congress MP Varsha Gaikwad questioned the whereabouts of those banging on 56-inch ballot boxes while citizens had to queue in scorching heat for an LPG cylinder at X.

Earlier, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut had also criticized the BJP government for not addressing the issue, saying that they were busy with the election campaign and remained silent while at least 40 hotels in the sector were closed due to shortage.

“Prime Minister Modi has always responded to dissent with action. Senior leaders in the US have admired him for his ability to achieve unanimity among countries, but leaders in our country are belittling him and this must end.”