Gandhinagar, March 13 (NationPress) In a bold display of dissent, Congress Legislators gathered outside the Gujarat Legislative Assembly on Friday to protest the perceived shortage of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) cylinders and natural gas. This demonstration follows the state government's recent establishment of a monitoring committee aimed at ensuring a stable supply of cooking fuel, in collaboration with the Union government.

A total of 12 MLAs from the opposition party converged on the Assembly steps, brandishing posters and symbolic LPG cylinder props while vocally expressing their concerns during the ongoing Budget session.

The protest was spearheaded by state Congress President and MLA, Amit Chavda, along with senior party leader Dr. Tushar Chaudhary.

In a poignant act of symbolism, Chavda appeared with a gas cylinder on his shoulder, while Chaudhary carried firewood on his head.

Other legislators displayed posters featuring the slogan “Did the sahib's idea work?” as they aimed to spotlight the alleged cooking gas shortage and the mounting challenges faced by consumers.

During the protest, police reportedly intervened as the MLAs attempted to approach the Assembly steps.

Speaking to the media, Chavda articulated that the public is enduring long queues to procure LPG cylinders.

"Households are struggling to secure cooking gas refills, and many homemakers are searching tirelessly for cylinders," he stated.

He further asserted that the shortage is impacting businesses, with some restaurants shutting down while others contemplate closing due to insufficient gas supply.

"The government must ensure an adequate supply of gas and petroleum products posthaste to provide relief to citizens. If this situation persists, it could lead to chaotic circumstances regarding gas availability in the near future," he warned.

This protest is set against a backdrop of growing concerns about LPG supply in India, which has been linked to import disruptions due to ongoing conflicts in West Asia.

India's reliance on international sources for LPG, particularly from West Asia, renders the country susceptible to geopolitical disturbances that may affect shipping routes and energy markets.

In response to these concerns, the state government announced on Wednesday that measures are being implemented to guarantee the continued availability of cooking gas.

The government has also formed a monitoring committee to coordinate with the Union government to ensure adequate supply while urging citizens to refrain from panic buying or hoarding cylinders as efforts are made to stabilize the situation.

“The committee, established under the guidance of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, will liaise with the Centre and continuously assess the situation to ensure a steady gas supply,” remarked spokesperson Minister Jitu Vaghani.

Additionally, authorities have extended the waiting period for LPG bookings to 25 days to deter hoarding and promote fair distribution.