Cooking Gas Crisis: Centre Failed to Take Precautionary Steps; LDF to Organise Protests Agaist Price Hike

Thiruvananthapuram: CPI(M) state secretary M V Govindan has said that the Left Democratic Front will organise strong protest against the central government’s move to increase cooking gas prices during a crisis.

Speaking on the issue, he said the supply of LPG is currently facing a major shortage across India, affecting both households and the hospitality sector. According to him, the ongoing global conflict has even begun to impact everyday life and kitchens across the country. He alleged that the Government of India failed to anticipate the situation and take preventive steps in advance.

M V Govindan said the crisis indicates a serious lapse in maintaining adequate reserve stocks as recommended by the International Energy Agency, which advises countries to keep reserves sufficient for about 80 days. Had such reserves been ensured, he argued, the country would not have faced the current shortage so quickly.

He also criticised the recent hike in LPG prices, noting that the price of domestic cylinders had been increased by ₹60 while commercial cylinders had been raised by ₹116. According to him, the situation has become more difficult for the public as cooking gas is scarce on one hand and prices are being increased significantly on the other.

Calling the move harmful to ordinary people, he said there should be strong public opposition to the central government’s stance. M V Govindan added that LDF would organise major protest against the price hike and the handling of the cooking gas crisis.