Congress, DMK, SP to Raise Oil Shortage, Airfare Spike and Diaspora Crisis in Parliament

Opposition parties in India are preparing to intensify pressure on the government when Parliament resumes on Thursday, seeking a detailed debate on the escalating conflict in West Asia and its impact on the country’s energy supply and citizens abroad. Leaders from the Congress and several allied parties are expected to raise concerns over shortages of oil and gas, rising fuel costs, and the wider economic consequences of the war between Iran and the joint forces of the United States and Israel. The issue is likely to dominate discussions in both houses of Parliament amid fears that the prolonged conflict could further strain India’s energy imports and disrupt global supply chains.

The political push comes shortly after the opposition's no-confidence motion against Om Birla, the Speaker of the Lok Sabha, was defeated on Wednesday. With that effort unsuccessful, opposition parties are now shifting focus toward what they describe as the government’s handling of the emerging energy crisis. Leaders have accused the ruling coalition of failing to anticipate the consequences of the ongoing war in West Asia and have called for greater transparency regarding India’s preparedness to manage potential disruptions in fuel supplies and economic stability.

Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, has reportedly urged Congress lawmakers to highlight what he termed the government’s shortcomings in foreign policy and energy security. According to sources within the party, Rahul Gandhi has asked MPs to emphasise how geopolitical tensions in West Asia could translate into higher fuel prices, rising cooking gas costs, and increased travel expenses for Indian citizens. He has also encouraged opposition leaders across the country to keep sustained pressure on the government over the economic impact of the conflict.

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The opposition is particularly concerned about the effect of the war on India’s energy imports, as West Asia remains a major supplier of crude oil and natural gas to the country. The ongoing hostilities have already disrupted parts of the global supply chain, triggering concerns about a potential shortage of commercial liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and an increase in fuel prices. Several airlines have also introduced fuel surcharges in response to rising oil prices, leading to a noticeable spike in airfares for both domestic and international flights.

Members of Parliament from the Congress, along with lawmakers from parties such as the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, Samajwadi Party, and various Left parties, have already disrupted proceedings in recent days while raising slogans over the reported LPG shortage. Their protests led to multiple adjournments of parliamentary sessions earlier this week, reflecting the growing political tensions around the issue. Opposition leaders argue that the government must provide clear answers on how it plans to safeguard India’s energy security amid the escalating regional crisis.

Apart from the domestic economic impact, lawmakers are also expected to raise concerns about the safety and well-being of the large Indian diaspora living and working across West Asia. Millions of Indian nationals are employed in the region, and any prolonged conflict could affect remittances and employment opportunities. As Parliament reconvenes, the debate over the war’s broader implications is likely to intensify, with opposition parties pressing the government to outline its diplomatic strategy and contingency plans to address the unfolding crisis.

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