Chandigarh, March 11 (NationPress) A resolution regarding the impact on the nation’s energy security was presented to the Punjab Assembly on Wednesday, highlighting concerns over the escalating gas and energy crisis throughout the country.

This resolution, introduced in the House by Food, Civil Supplies, and Consumer Affairs Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak, is set for a comprehensive discussion on Thursday.

During its introduction, the House experienced significant disruptions, as members voiced their worries about the increasing LPG shortages and the severe economic repercussions that could follow.

The Speaker confirmed that the resolution was officially presented and that a thorough debate would occur. Members expressed that the House “feels an urgent need to address this issue, as reports of LPG shortages are beginning to incite panic among consumers, restaurants, dhabas, and small traders across Punjab.”

While presenting the resolution, Minister Kataruchak stated that the House “records its profound concern and dissatisfaction regarding the current situation arising from the Union government’s ineffective foreign policy and unbalanced energy policy.”

“The House expresses deep concern and dissatisfaction that the energy crisis facing the nation has stemmed from the Union government’s inadequate foreign policy and flawed energy strategy,” Kataruchak remarked.

He indicated that the current conditions in India are not solely due to international factors but are also a result of what he described as a weak, inconsistent, and aimless foreign policy.

“The current scenario in India is not just a result of external circumstances but also a consequence of the Union government’s ineffective foreign policy,” he asserted.

The minister cautioned that the nation’s energy security is now at a critical risk, with alarming reports of LPG shortages surfacing from various regions.

“Reports indicate a severe shortage of LPG supply. Consequently, restaurants, dhabas, small traders, and everyday consumers across the country are experiencing a significant crisis,” Kataruchak noted.

He informed the House that numerous major cities, including Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Chennai, are already facing notable LPG shortages.

The National Restaurant Association, which represents over five lakh restaurants nationwide, has warned that if LPG supplies are not restored to normal within the next 72 hours, thousands of restaurants and food establishments may be compelled to close.

The minister also emphasized that the crisis is evident in Punjab, where the supply of commercial gas cylinders has been disrupted in several regions, forcing restaurant, dhaba, and small hotel operators to endure lengthy waits for cylinders.

“In numerous locations, the supply of commercial gas cylinders is interrupted. Operators of restaurants, dhabas, and small hotels have to endure long waits for cylinders. The costs for small traders and food establishments are soaring, while ordinary citizens are facing the direct burden of rising domestic LPG cylinder prices,” Kataruchak stated.

The resolution urges the Union government to reevaluate the nation’s foreign and energy policies to align with national interests, ensure economic stability, and meet the populace's needs to avert such crises in the future.