LPG shortage crisis: Karnataka Assembly witnesses uproar as Congress and BJP trade barbs

The Karnataka Legislative Assembly on Wednesday (March 11, 2026) witnessed an uproar over the crisis in commercial LPG cylinders, with the ruling Congress blaming the Centre’s policies while the Opposition BJP accused Chief Minister Siddaramaiah of supporting hoteliers’ decision to shut down operations.

During Zero Hour, H.D. Ranganath (Kunigal) of the Congress drew attention to the LPG issue and claimed that a domestic cylinder which earlier cost ₹900 is now priced at ₹1,800. He also alleged that a commercial cylinder that used to cost ₹2,000 is now being sold for ₹4,000, and blamed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “weak foreign policy”, triggering protests from BJP members.

BJP members objected to the Congress “politicising” the LPG crisis, which they said had been caused by external factors.

‘What has Modi said?’

At this point, RDPR and IT/BT Minister Priyank Kharge, responding to the Opposition, questioned the relevance of the NDA government’s economic and foreign policies. “Where is Modi? Has he said anything? Mr. Modi wishes the Indian team, but why is he not talking about this issue? Why did you invoke the Essential Commodities Act (ESMA)?” he asked, criticising the NDA government over the current crisis.

Immediately, BJP members rose in protest. V. Sunil Kumar (BJP) intervened and said that many countries were facing similar problems due to the war. “We are also worried,” he said, adding that the Congress government was not capable of solving many of its own problems in the State.

He further alleged that sand was not available in coastal districts, there were server problems in government offices, medicines were unavailable in hospitals, and the government was unable to pay salaries to employees.

An irked Mr. Siddaramaiah criticised the Centre for increasing cylinder prices and invoking ESMA provisions.

Leader of the Opposition R. Ashok alleged that the Chief Minister had “incited” hoteliers to shut down their businesses as a mark of protest. Mr. Ashok said that the Chief Minister had asked hoteliers to go on strike — a charge Mr. Siddaramaiah strongly denied. “All I said to the press was that the hoteliers’ stand to protest was justified. I did not incite them,” the CM said.

Muniyappa’s response

Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister K.H. Muniyappa, who chaired a meeting with oil and gas companies — including Indian Oil Corporation, Bharat Petroleum, Hindustan Petroleum and GAIL (India) Limited — said there was no shortage of domestic LPG cylinders in Karnataka. However, he noted that the supply of commercial cylinders could face disruptions.

K.H. Muniyappa
| Photo Credit:
The Hindu

The Minister explained that the ongoing conflict in West Asia had disrupted international shipping routes, particularly in the Gulf region. However, he clarified that domestic LPG supplies would remain stable and urged consumers not to panic or hoard cylinders.

To monitor the situation closely, he said senior officials of the department would hold weekly review meetings with oil companies.

He added that a 14.2-kg domestic LPG cylinder can last about one-and-a-half months for a family of four to five members if used carefully. The department would take all necessary steps to prevent major disruptions in LPG supply, he said, urging consumers not to panic or engage in hoarding.

In a rare instance, BJP members applauded Mr. Muniyappa’s statement by thumping their desks.

Published – March 11, 2026 05:51 pm IST