Bengaluru, March 13 (NationPress) Union Minister for Food, Public Distribution and Consumer Affairs Pralhad Joshi asserted on Friday that there is no deficiency of petrol, diesel, or cooking gas nationwide, accusing the Congress-led Karnataka government of deceiving the public by instigating uncertainty surrounding the supply of LPG cylinders.

While speaking at a press conference held at the state BJP office, "Jagannath Bhavan" in Bengaluru, Minister Joshi alleged that the Congress-led state administration was attempting to induce panic among the populace regarding the accessibility of gas cylinders.

Responding to a statement from Lok Sabha Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi, who suggested a potential shortage of petrol and diesel, Joshi labeled the assertion as false and emphasized that the Union government has implemented sufficient measures to ensure a steady supply of petroleum products.

He indicated that India has diversified its import channels to secure fuel supplies, noting: "Previously, India sourced petroleum products from around 20 to 22 countries. That number has now escalated to approximately 40 countries."

The Union Minister charged Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Rahul Gandhi with misleading the public regarding the alleged shortage of LPG cylinders.

He denounced calls for protests on the matter, deeming it unfortunate for a Chief Minister to incite such actions and describing it as "highly irresponsible".

He mentioned that there has been a surge in bookings for both domestic and commercial LPG cylinders, leading to certain supply restrictions.

Nonetheless, Union Minister Joshi reassured that cylinders are being delivered as usual upon booking and that there is no genuine shortage in the country.

He also highlighted that a vessel carrying LPG had already reached through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital maritime route, with more shipments anticipated shortly. This, he remarked, illustrates India's robust diplomatic ties with other nations.

He added that Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri had previously advised the public against making unnecessary bookings out of fear of shortages.

Joshi stated that LPG production in India has been elevated by 28 percent in just five days and could be further increased if necessary.

According to Union Minister Joshi, nearly 80 percent of crude oil supplies transit through the Strait of Hormuz, and disruptions due to the ongoing conflict have prompted India to source LPG directly from alternative suppliers.

Efforts are also underway to procure supplies from Russia and African nations.

He remarked that the state government has already initiated several actions to bolster energy security, including converting approximately 2.5 million diesel pumps into solar-powered pumps, enhancing coal production, and expanding renewable energy initiatives.

He accused the Congress-led state government of trying to instill fear in the populace regarding a potential cylinder shortage and inciting public sentiment against the Union government.

Noting India's heavy reliance on petroleum imports from the Middle East, Joshi stated that the Karnataka government is prioritizing LPG supply first, followed by fertilizer production, considering the current global context.