Shimla/Delhi: The states and tourism establishment in Himalayan states including Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and UTs of Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir have welcomed increase in LPG supplies to the state.
It will enable hoteliers to prepare for the upcoming tourist Summer season rush to make most of it if the fue supplies are stabilised
Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri however is facing mixed criticism, with the Opposition now joining critics slamming his claim that India remains an “oasis of energy security, availability and affordability” amid a deepening global fuel crisis.
The remarks have sparked a political storm, even as the Centre announced a key step to ease the commercial LPG crunch—increasing allocation to states up to 70%, while reserving 20% for core sectors like steel, automobile and textiles, especially those lacking piped gas alternatives.
Opposition Slams ‘Oasis’ Claim
Opposition leaders have hit out sharply at Hardeep Singh Puri, calling his statement “detached from ground reality” and accusing the government of burdening citizens with high fuel taxes while projecting relief.
They pointed to steep rises in LPG and fuel prices over the years, arguing that affordability has worsened for ordinary households.
“When people are paying over ₹1000 for an LPG cylinder and record prices for petrol and diesel, calling it an ‘oasis’ is misleading,” said an Opposition spokesperson, demanding greater transparency in fuel pricing and tax structures.
Policy Move on LPG, But Questions Persist
The government’s decision to boost LPG allocation to states is being seen as a necessary intervention to tackle supply shortages, particularly for commercial users mainly dhabha, service and hotel industry.
Officials maintain that the step will stabilise supplies and support industries where cleaner alternatives are not viable.
However, critics argue that such measures highlight underlying stress in the energy ecosystem rather than strength.
Fuel Prices Fuel the Debate
The backlash is being driven by data increasingly cited in public discourse:
LPG cylinder prices have risen from about ₹500 in 2014 to over ₹1000
Fuel taxes constitute nearly 55–60% of pump prices.
Retail prices saw limited reduction even when global crude softened
The Centre collected over ₹3.7 lakh crore in fuel taxes in FY24.
‘Oasis or Mirage?’ Debate Deepens
While the government maintains that India has avoided drastic price shocks seen globally—where fuel prices have surged 20–50%—experts caution that this stability has come through policy intervention and fiscal trade-offs, not necessarily lower costs.
“The system is being managed, but calling it an oasis may be overstated,” said an energy expert.
“If global pressures persist, balancing affordability with supply security will become increasingly difficult.”
For now, the expanded LPG allocation may offer temporary relief, but the political heat over fuel pricing—and the credibility of the government’s claims—continues to rise in case geopolitical situation in Middle East doesn't improve.
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