Gujarat has more than four lakh LPG cylinders, says Minister

The Gujarat government on Friday (March 13, 2026) rejected the Opposition’s claims of a shortage of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and other cooking gas due to the ongoing conflict in West Asia, telling the Assembly that the State currently has a stock of more than four lakh cylinders.

LPG and oil crisis updates on March 13, 2026

Food and Civil Supplies Minister Ramanbhai Solanki informed the House that adequate LPG stocks were available and that the State government was closely monitoring the situation in view of developments in the region.

“As of today, we have 4,16,504 LPG cylinders in stock,” Mr. Solanki said, adding that Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) holds 1,66,128 cylinders, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) has 1,50,009, and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) has 1,00,367.

He assured members that the government was ensuring uninterrupted supply to households as well as institutions and hospitals.

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The issue was raised by senior Congress MLA Shailesh Parmar, who expressed concern over the availability of LPG, piped natural gas (PNG) and compressed natural gas (CNG) in Gujarat amid the ongoing U.S.–Israel–Iran conflict.

Mr. Parmar said reports of long queues outside gas agencies had created anxiety among citizens. “Due to the war in the Gulf, a situation has arisen regarding gas cylinders, whether LPG, PNG or CNG. Thousands of people are standing in queues outside gas agencies and other places,” he said.

Speaker Shankar Chaudhary noted that matters related to gas supply fall under the jurisdiction of the Union government. Mr. Parmar, however, maintained that issues related to gas agencies and supply concerns affecting the public could still be discussed in the House.

Forest and Environment Minister Arjun Modhwadia objected to the remarks, saying incorrect statements could create unnecessary panic among people. He said a meeting on the matter had recently been held with Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel.

“Just yesterday, we were sitting with the Chief Minister and the MLA from Tankara in Morbi district. The Chief Minister clearly said there is absolutely no shortage of gas for industries in Morbi at present,” Mr. Modhwadia said, referring to the ceramic manufacturing hub in the region.

He cautioned that speculation about shortages could lead to panic buying and queues outside gas agencies. “A war-like situation may impact trade and business, but once talk of shortages begins, queues start forming outside gas agencies from the next day itself,” he said.

Legislative and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Rushikesh Patel also pointed out that LPG supply primarily falls under the Centre’s jurisdiction. He noted that cylinders are supplied by four public sector oil marketing companies and said statements made in the Assembly could influence public perception across the State.

Mr. Solanki later reiterated that there had been no official complaints regarding shortages. “Practically speaking, apart from what is seen in the news, there are no actual complaints anywhere,” he said.

Earlier in the day, around a dozen Congress MLAs staged a protest on the steps of the Assembly complex demanding subsidised LPG cylinders for homemakers at ₹450.

The legislators, including Amit Chavda and Tushar Chaudhary, gathered holding LPG cylinders and placards while raising slogans. Congress leaders said the protest was aimed at drawing attention to the issue during the Assembly session and pressing their demand for cheaper cooking gas for households in Gujarat.