Bengaluru, March 11 (NationPress) A vigorous discussion took place in the Karnataka Assembly on Wednesday regarding the shortage of commercial LPG cylinders, leading to intense exchanges between the ruling Congress and the opposition BJP. The government urged citizens to reduce LPG usage amid the ongoing global crisis.

Food and Civil Supplies Minister K.H. Muniyappa stated that the state has engaged in talks with oil companies to guarantee that domestic users will receive at least one LPG cylinder every 25 days. "Having served as a Union Minister, I assure you that domestic supply will remain unaffected," he declared.

He explained that the supply chain has been disrupted due to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran, resulting in halted shipments. "There are no ships arriving, and supplies have ceased. I convened a meeting with Indian Oil, BPCL, HPCL, and GAIL, alongside the Secretary and the Commissioner," he noted.

Muniyappa emphasized that domestic LPG supply would be prioritized. “Domestic consumers will face no issues. Each family will receive a minimum of one cylinder that will last for 25 days. Full supply will resume once the conflict concludes. Currently, domestic production is only between 25 and 30 percent, and other consumption modes have been restricted. We are prioritizing domestic use,” he explained.

He mentioned that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has instructed officials to ensure a minimum supply to households and urged the public to use LPG wisely. "I urge everyone to limit their LPG cylinder consumption and refrain from requesting additional cylinders during this time. We must ensure minimum use," he said.

The issue was raised during Zero Hour by Congress MLA K.H. Ranganath, who pointed out that the shortage of commercial LPG is significantly impacting restaurants and small hotels statewide.

“The shortage of commercial LPG cylinders is becoming increasingly severe in many cities. Restaurants and small hotels rely entirely on these cylinders. The ongoing war has affected the food industry nationwide, including Karnataka and Bengaluru, resulting in the closure of several restaurants,” he stated.

Ranganath also claimed that commercial users are being compelled to purchase cylinders at inflated prices. "You assert that there are no issues for domestic consumers, yet commercial users are forced into exorbitant prices. This reflects a failure in the Central government’s foreign policy," he asserted.

BJP MLAs strongly opposed his remarks, urging Ranganath not to politicize the issue.

Minister for IT and BT Priyank Kharge criticized the Central government, attributing public anxiety to contradictory statements from Union ministers.

"On February 9, a Union minister assured Parliament that the country had sufficient LPG reserves for 45 days and that the public need not worry. Yet, on March 6, the Petroleum Minister claimed there is no shortage, while simultaneously raising the domestic cylinder price by Rs 60 and commercial cylinder prices by Rs 120," he said.

Questioning the Central government’s management of the situation, he asked: "What happened to the foreign policy, and where is Prime Minister Narendra Modi?"

Kharge also made a sarcastic comment about the government, suggesting they were more interested in congratulating film actress Rashmika Mandanna than addressing the crisis.

Siddaramaiah pointed out that the responsibility for supplying LPG cylinders lies with the Central government. "It is the Centre that must ensure the supply of gas cylinders," he stated.

However, BJP MLA V. Sunil Kumar contended that the shortage is a global issue due to the war and accused the state government of politicizing the situation.

Leader of the Opposition R. Ashoka criticized the Chief Minister and his ministers for transforming the situation into a political controversy.

He claimed that Siddaramaiah has encouraged protests by hotel owners. "The Chief Minister himself is inviting people to protest. Is this proper? As the leader of the state, he should behave responsibly,” he argued.

In response, Siddaramaiah clarified that he had not instigated protests. "Hotel owners expressed their intention to protest if commercial cylinders are not provided, and I merely acknowledged their concerns. It is false to assert that I incited them to strike," he clarified.

BJP state President and MLA B.Y. Vijayendra criticized Kharge, suggesting he should remain focused on his own responsibilities.

Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao noted the hospitality sector is already facing severe challenges. “The Indian Hotels’ Association has reported that nearly 20 percent of hotels have shut down. Clearly, there is an issue, and it is erroneous to claim that there are no problems anywhere in the country,” he added.

Reiterating the government’s stance, Muniyappa stated that approximately 70 percent of LPG supply is sourced externally, and the disruption of shipments has impacted availability.

"Ten vessels have been denied docking. Even if they fail to arrive, each family will still receive one cylinder every 25 days. A 14-kg cylinder can serve a family of four to five members for about one to one-and-a-half months," he explained.

Muniyappa indicated that the government would limit additional bookings and take stringent action against black market activities. "There is no reason to panic. Each family will be ensured one cylinder monthly, but no additional bookings will be permitted. Legal action will be taken against black market sales," he affirmed.

He also requested commercial entities to cooperate during this crisis, noting that hospitals, schools, and hostels will be prioritized.

The minister added that weekly meetings would be held with oil companies to monitor the supply status and ensure domestic consumers do not experience shortages.