Amid shortage woes, 55 LPG cylinders seized from Samajwadi Party leader's residence

(Representational image)

Amid shortage of LPG cylinders across the country due to the ongoing conflict between the US, Israel and Iran, at least 55 LPG cylinders were seized from a Samajwadi Party's leader's residence in Hapur district, Uttar Pradesh.

SP leader Abdul Rehman was found hoarding the LPG cylinders at his house.

Following the seizure, Akhilesh Yadav-led Samajwadi Party has denied any links with the leader, according to a report by News18.

LPG shortage

Earlier, Samajwadi Party MP Ram Gopal Yadav claimed that high-ranking officials are providing incorrect data to the Prime Minister regarding the availability of cooking gas, leading to a disconnect between government claims and the ground reality.

"...The Prime Minister is not being given correct information by the officials, as he is claiming that there is no shortage of LPG...They should see the reality on the ground, people are standing in long queues..." Yadav said.

His remarks came after PM Modi stated, "There's a lot of discussion these days about LPG. Some people are trying to create panic and pursue their own agenda. I don't want to comment on them politically at this time. But I will definitely say that by doing so, they are exposing themselves to the public and causing significant harm to the entire country. No country is untouched by the impact of this global crisis caused by war. To a greater or lesser extent, everyone is affected by this crisis. India is also leaving no stone unturned to address this crisis. And we are making efforts at various levels. Recently, I have discussed this with top leaders from several countries around the world. Continuous efforts are also underway to overcome the obstacles in the supply chain."

Oppn holds protest against LPG shortage

Opposition leaders have been protesting against the Centre over the shortage. On Friday, Congress workers staged a protest in Delhi over the LPG supply situation. Party members gathered outside the BJP headquarters carrying clay stoves as a symbolic protest.

The demonstrators accused the government of failing to address the difficulties faced by households and businesses due to the shortage of LPG cylinders.

Why is there a shortage?

Concerns over cooking gas supply are beginning to affect daily life across several sectors, with restaurants, hostels and some companies reporting disruptions in kitchens and food services.

The government, however, has urged citizens not to panic. C Senthil Rajan, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, said oil companies are delivering around 50 lakh LPG cylinders every day even during the crisis and that supplies remain intact. Police in several states have also stepped up vigilance against rumours, hoarding and illegal trade in cylinders.

This comes amid the conflict between Isarel and Iran, with Tehran blocking the Strait of Hormuz. With more than 85% of all of India's having to cross Strait of Hormuz to reach the nation's shore and limited back-up storage, the disruption hit quickly unlike in the case of auto fuels where strategic reserves of crude oil and products are equal to two months of consumption, according to a report by The Hindu.