Nashik, March 13 (NationPress) The President of Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee, Harshwardhan Sapkal, called for the immediate retraction of the recent Rs 60 LPG price increase, stating that the BJP administration has thrust the general populace into a severe state of inflation. He emphasized that this price surge stems from the misguided policies of the Central government. Rather than 'exploiting' citizens under the pretext of war, the government ought to rescind this hike without delay.

Sapkal also urged the Prime Minister to engage in discussions with all relevant parties regarding the LPG price situation and to address the issue in Parliament.

During a protest in Trimbakeshwar against the gas price hike and shortages, demonstrators chanted slogans targeting the BJP government.

He noted that the scarcity of commercial cylinders is driving small businesses, restaurants, and eateries to closure.

“While the BJP-Mahayuti government touts the provision of Rs 1,500 to 'Beloved Sisters' (Ladki Bahin), they simultaneously fleece these same women through rampant inflation,” he remarked.

At the protest, Sapkal visited a gas distributor's office to gauge the situation firsthand. He also spoke with women collecting gas cylinders to hear their frustrations regarding the shortages.

The women voiced their outrage over the price hike, asserting that the BJP government has made living expenses prohibitive.

Protests against the gas price hike and shortages were also observed in multiple districts, including Nagpur, Pune, Thane, Wardha, Buldhana, Gondia (Tiroda), Palghar, Bhiwandi, Kalyan-Dombivli, Dharashiv, and Chandrapur (Rajura).

Meanwhile, Congress Legislative Party leader Vijay Wadettiwar and former Assembly Speaker Nana Patole staged a protest at the Vidhan Bhavan, demanding the annulment of the price increase while holding symbolic gas cylinders.

On the same day, the Centre advised the public against panic buying of petrol, diesel, and LPG, stressing that there are sufficient stocks nationwide.

No reports of fuel shortages have emerged from any of the 1 lakh retail outlets operated by Oil Marketing Companies. A senior official from the Petroleum and Natural Gas Ministry confirmed that adequate supplies of petrol and diesel are consistently maintained. The current refining capacity in India stands at approximately 258 MMTPA, making it the world's fourth-largest refining hub. The nation is self-sufficient in petrol and diesel production, negating the need for imports to satisfy domestic demand. All refineries are functioning at high capacity, with some operating above 100%.