CPI(M) urges PM to tackle cooking gas crisis
The Communist Party of India (Marxist) has raised a red flag over the escalating cooking gas crisis in the country, attributing the “grave situation” to the Government’s failure to shield energy supply chains from the ongoing US-Israel war on Iran.
In a letter addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday, CPI(M) General Secretary MA Baby expressed deep anguish over the “debilitating impact” of the conflict on Indian households. He noted that despite official claims, the scarcity of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) has forced citizens into long queues, while black-marketeers are selling domestic cylinders for as much as Rs 4,000.
“The Government appears to have failed to ensure adequate gas reserves that could protect the country’s interests from external shocks caused by the US-Israel war,” the letter stated. The scarcity has triggered a ripple effect across various sectors. The party highlighted that student hostels are reducing food menus or shutting down entirely, forcing students to return home. Furthermore, the crisis has hit restaurants and office canteens, leading to job losses for food delivery gig workers.
The CPI(M) also pointed out the soaring costs of alternatives, with firewood prices increasing fivefold and induction stoves becoming costlier. Even gas-based crematoriums have reportedly ceased operations in several areas.
Drawing a parallel to 2003, when the Atal Bihari Vajpayee-led NDA Government passed a unanimous resolution deploring the US attack on Iraq, the CPI(M) urged the Prime Minister to move a similar resolution in the current Parliament session.
The party’s key demands include strict action against hoarders and black-marketeers, the guaranteed uninterrupted supply of LPG to student hostels and small restaurants, and the implementation of price regulations for edible oils alongside compensation for displaced gig workers.
Furthermore, the CPI(M) has called for a firm diplomatic stance condemning the “US-Israel aggression” to safeguard national energy security, with the letter concluding by urging the Centre to call upon both nations to end the war immediately to restore global supply chains.
