AAP Legislators Rally Outside Punjab Assembly Over LPG Crisis
Synopsis
On March 16, AAP legislators protested outside the Punjab Assembly, decrying a significant LPG shortage and rising prices. They warned of escalated agitation if the situation remains unresolved, citing government mismanagement.
Key Takeaways
AAP legislators protested against LPG cylinder shortages and price hikes.
The protest highlighted the **government's mismanagement** of resources.
Central government asserts that PNG and CNG supplies are uninterrupted.
Raids are being conducted to combat hoarding of LPG.
Incentives for new PNG users have been introduced by gas distribution firms.
Chandigarh, March 16 (NationPress) In response to an alleged deficiency of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders and escalating prices, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) lawmakers in Punjab conducted a protest outside the state Assembly on Monday.
Chanting slogans against the BJP-led central government, the MLAs criticized the situation as a consequence of government mismanagement, threatening to escalate their protests if the matter goes unresolved.
Leading the demonstration, AAP chief spokesperson and MLA Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal asserted, “Currently, the ordinary citizens of the nation are enduring hardships due to the flawed foreign policies of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In its efforts to align with Israel and the United States, the Centre has neglected the interests of the country, adversely impacting the supply of oil and gas.”
“Until the cylinder prices are lowered and the supply is restored, the Aam Aadmi Party will continue to protest, from the streets to the Vidhan Sabha,” he stated.
AAP working President Amansher Singh Shery Kalsi emphasized the realities on the ground and condemned the remarks from BJP leaders.
“BJP ministers and leaders are comfortably seated in air-conditioned rooms, falsely asserting that there is no gas shortage in the country. If they wish to witness the reality, they must observe the long queues of people waiting hungry and thirsty for hours,” he remarked.
“The current situation has left stoves cold in many homes. In households where weddings are being celebrated, even basic rotis are not being prepared. The negligence of the PM Modi-led government has deprived the underprivileged of food from their plates,” he added.
Issuing a stern warning to the Central government, the Aam Aadmi Party declared that if the LPG supply is not normalized swiftly, BJP spokespersons and ministers will face protests nationwide.
Earlier on Monday, the Central government asserted that the supply of piped natural gas (PNG) and compressed natural gas (CNG) remains uninterrupted across the nation.
The government also indicated efforts to transition households away from LPG where gas pipelines exist.
In an inter-ministerial briefing, Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, remarked that fuel pumps providing CNG and household PNG connections are functioning normally.
"The supply for both CNG users and PNG consumers is being maintained. Authorities have initiated enforcement measures to deter hoarding, and raids have been conducted in several states to inspect fuel storage and supply," she added.
The senior government official further stated that crude oil is available in adequate quantities. "All refineries are operating at peak capacity, and our petrol stations are functioning without interruption. No dry outs have been reported so far," she noted.
Gas distribution companies have also introduced incentives for new PNG users. Indraprastha Gas Ltd (IGL) has offered free gas worth Rs 500 for consumers signing up for PNG connections before March 31.
In the meantime, there has been a decline in LPG bookings as consumer panic subsides regarding the availability of domestic gas, while raids are ongoing across states to combat hoarding and black marketing.
Point of View
The ongoing protest by AAP legislators reflects a growing discontent regarding the management of essential resources. The allegations against the central government emphasize the urgent need for effective policy solutions to address citizens' hardships.
NationPress
7 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are AAP legislators protesting?
They are protesting against the alleged shortage of LPG cylinders and rising prices, blaming government mismanagement.
What are the AAP leaders demanding?
They demand a reduction in LPG prices and restoration of normal supply.
How did the Central government respond?
The Central government claimed that the supply of PNG and CNG remains uninterrupted and that they are addressing the LPG supply issues.
What is the impact of the LPG shortage?
The shortage has caused difficulties for households, affecting the ability to cook meals, especially during social events.
What actions are being taken against hoarding?
Authorities have initiated raids in several states to prevent hoarding and ensure fair distribution of LPG.
