New Delhi, March 11 (NationPress) The Congress party raised alarms on Wednesday regarding the growing global energy crisis, labeling it as precarious and calling on the government to handle the situation with greater transparency.

Party representatives emphasized the urgent need for national discussions about the shifts in the international energy market, as well as the domestic issues concerning LPG cylinders and fuel availability.

In a statement to the media outside Parliament, Congress MP Manish Tewari underscored the geopolitical factors affecting global energy supplies, particularly the disruptions near the Strait of Hormuz.

"The international energy landscape is fraught with tension due to the blockage of the Strait of Hormuz. Just yesterday, only one vessel managed to pass through this critical route, which is responsible for nearly 40% of global energy supplies moving from West Asia to the East. This predicament is also impacting India," he stated.

Tewari mentioned that the government has enacted the Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA) in response to the escalating crisis, resulting in airlines beginning to impose surcharges due to increased operational costs.

He remarked that while crude oil prices had shot up earlier, they have recently shown signs of correction.

"Crude oil prices surged to approximately $120 per barrel, but have now dropped to about $90. Hence, there has not been a significant increase in crude prices at this moment. Furthermore, the crude oil and petroleum products currently being supplied were contracted 45 to 60 days ago at much lower prices," he added.

Another Congress MP, Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa, pointed out that the discussions surrounding LPG cylinders and fuel supply in India necessitate deeper parliamentary debate.

"What is unfolding in the nation, especially regarding LPG cylinders and associated issues, deserves the nation’s serious attention. This topic should not merely be a brief statement in Parliament. There should be comprehensive discussions. When power is concentrated within one party or individual, we must still prioritize the welfare of the nation," he asserted.

Congress General Secretary K.C. Venugopal accused the government of issuing directives against the supply of LPG cylinders for commercial usage, suggesting that the situation is deteriorating daily.

"The government is completely misleading the Indian populace about the current situation," Venugopal criticized.

Congress MP Imran Pratapgarhi also questioned the government’s previous assurances regarding fuel supply.

"The government has claimed there is no shortage of oil and gas. Now, citizens are asking what has become of those assurances," he stated.

His parliamentary colleague Jothimani characterized the situation as alarming, mentioning that businesses across various regions are encountering difficulties.

"This situation is extremely concerning. Numerous businesses are shutting down, particularly in South India and Tamil Nadu. Even small tea shops, which many rely on for their livelihoods, are being adversely affected. There is a serious shortage of both domestic and commercial gas cylinders, and the government needs to act swiftly," she said.

In contrast, BJP MP Darshan Singh Choudhary acknowledged the international challenges but reassured that the government is dedicated to ensuring that essential fuel supplies remain steady.

"The global landscape is indeed troubling, but under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, the government is consistently working to guarantee that people do not face shortages of diesel, petrol, or other vital resources," he stated.

Amid rising concerns over global energy supplies, Union Minister Piyush Goyal assured that India is not experiencing any fuel shortages despite the volatility in international markets due to the ongoing conflict in West Asia.

He declared that the Central government is vigilantly monitoring ongoing developments and taking necessary measures to ensure the uninterrupted availability of fuel throughout the nation. Goyal also mentioned that relevant departments are continually reviewing the situation to protect domestic supply chains and maintain stability in the energy sector.