LPG Crisis Sparks Uproar in Rajya Sabha: Kharge Questions Government Preparedness, TMC Walks Out
The ongoing LPG crisis in Parliament triggered sharp exchanges in the Rajya Sabha on Monday as opposition leaders accused the government of failing to anticipate supply disruptions. Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge questioned the Centre’s preparedness, saying the government should have acted earlier to prevent the current situation.
While the Rajya Sabha witnessed heated protests over the LPG shortage in India, the Lok Sabha managed to complete its Question Hour without disruption for the first time since the second phase of the Budget Session 2026 began on March 9.
Opposition Targets Government Over LPG Shortage
Raising the issue in the Upper House, Kharge said the government’s claim that there is no shortage of LPG cylinders does not match the ground reality.
He argued that authorities were already aware of potential disruptions due to tensions in West Asia but failed to take preventive steps.
According to Kharge, timely policy decisions and supply planning could have prevented the worsening of the LPG crisis in Parliament discussions and across the country.
Several opposition MPs echoed similar concerns, highlighting the impact of rising LPG prices and supply uncertainty on middle-class families, small restaurants, and commercial establishments.
Government Accuses Opposition of Politicising Crisis
Responding to the criticism, Union Health Minister JP Nadda accused the opposition of trying to politicise a situation that was triggered by global developments.
He said the crisis was not created by India and urged political parties to act responsibly during difficult times.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju also criticised opposition members for raising slogans instead of listening to the government’s response in the House.
Outside Parliament, Union Minister Suresh Gopi said the government is exploring alternative options to manage supplies and stabilise the situation.
TMC Walkout Adds to Rajya Sabha Tensions
Adding another dimension to the day’s political drama, the All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) staged a walkout from the Rajya Sabha.
The party protested the Election Commission of India’s decision to remove several senior officials in West Bengal soon after announcing the state assembly election schedule.
TMC MP Derek O’Brien said the party acknowledged the Election Commission’s authority but chose to walk out as a mark of protest against the timing of the administrative reshuffle.
Lok Sabha Proceedings Continue Smoothly
In contrast to the disruptions in the Upper House, proceedings in the Lok Sabha remained largely orderly.
Speaker Om Birla rejected opposition demands to raise urgent issues immediately after the House assembled, stating that members would get an opportunity to speak after Question Hour.
During the session, key ministers including Nirmala Sitharaman, Mansukh Mandaviya, and Gajendra Singh Shekhawat responded to questions from MPs.
Finance Minister Sitharaman also announced that four special Lok Adalat sessions will be held in 2026 to clear pending cases in the Debt Recovery Tribunal (DRT) and the Debt Recovery Appellate Tribunal (DRAT).
Why the LPG Issue Matters Right Now
The debate over the LPG crisis in Parliament comes at a time when global energy markets remain volatile due to geopolitical tensions in West Asia, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz — a critical route for India’s oil and gas imports.
Experts say disruptions in the region could affect:
LPG supply chains
Fuel prices in India
Household energy affordability
Energy analysts believe the situation highlights the need for stronger energy security planning, diversified supply sources, and strategic reserves to protect domestic markets from global shocks.
Monday’s proceedings underscored how the LPG shortage in India has become a major political and economic issue during the Budget Session 2026. While the government maintains that steps are being taken to manage the situation, the opposition continues to demand clearer answers and stronger policy action.
With global energy uncertainties continuing, the debate over India’s preparedness for supply disruptions is likely to remain a key issue in Parliament in the coming days.
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