Telangana MPs blame Centre’s ‘negligence and flawed foreign policy’ for gas shortage

Hyderabad: Telangana Congress MPs in the Parliament and MLC Dr Balmoor Venkat in Hyderabad, among Opposition leaders, held the Central government’s ‘negligence and flawed foreign policy’ responsible for the severe gas shortage currently gripping the country.

The escalating crisis has raised several issues about fuel security and its impact on the economy, said Dr Venkat Balmoor in Hyderabad.

Hike of Rs 60 in domestic cylinders

The protests centre on a recent price hike and a supply crisis triggered by geopolitical tensions. Opposition MPs, including those from Telangana, raised the issue of price hike. Domestic cylinders reportedly saw a hike of Rs 60, while commercial cylinders increased by Rs 115.

‘Assurance of 74-day reserve has vanished’

Attributing the crisis to ‘negligence and flawed diplomacy,’ Dr Venkat Balmoor said, “The Prime Minister’s diplomatic stance regarding the Israel conflict has led oil-producing nations to halt fuel supplies to India, while neutral countries remain unaffected,” Dr Venkat told reporters.

He accused the Centre of misleading the public, noting that initial assurances of a 74-day reserve have vanished, replaced by orders to halt commercial supply. Dr Venkat warned that the hospitality industry—which sustained the economy during the pandemic—is now facing a catastrophic collapse.

Telangana MPs protest in Parliament

Telangana MPs are at the forefront of aggressive protests regarding LPG gas prices and shortages.

Due to the crisis, 90 per cent of eateries, especially roadside vendors, will close due to a shortage of cylinders, the MPs warned.

Telangana MPs demanded an immediate debate on the invocation of the Essential Commodities Act and the government’s failure to maintain sufficient gas reserves.

Peddapalli MP Vamsi Krishna Gaddam says, “The Central government is completely detached from the struggles of the common man. While families in Telangana are reeling under a Rs 60 hike in domestic LPG and our local businesses face closure due to commercial gas shortages, the ruling alliance is busy deflecting accountability. Instead of addressing the supply disruptions caused by the West Asia conflict, they waste time on historical debates. We demand an immediate rollback of these prices and transparency regarding the Epstein Files. It is shameful to see leaders befriending those named in global scandals while our citizens struggle to afford a basic meal.”