Lok Sabha Adjourned As MPs Protest LPG Shortage, Price Increase
Parliament adjourned till afternoon amid Opposition protests over domestic LPG supply shortages and price hike.
Lok Sabha proceedings were adjourned until 2 pm on Friday amid vehement protests by opposition members over disruptions in LPG supply and a recent price hike. The unrest erupted shortly after the House convened, with opposition MPs demanding an immediate discussion on the issue affecting millions of households across the country. Speaker Om Birla urged members to maintain order during Question Hour but adjourned the session due to persistent sloganeering.
The protests highlight growing public frustration with LPG availability, reportedly hit by supply chain bottlenecks and distribution delays in several states. Opposition leaders accused the government of failing to address shortages exacerbated by global energy market volatility and logistical challenges. This marks the latest in a series of disruptions during the ongoing Budget Session 2026, which has seen repeated adjournments over various contentious issues.
LPG, a staple cooking fuel for over 300 million households in India via the Ujjwala scheme, has faced intermittent shortages, forcing many to revert to costlier alternatives or firewood. The price increase, announced recently, adds to the burden amid inflation concerns, with non-subsidised cylinders now costing upwards of ₹1,100. Critics argue the hike disregards the needs of low-income families already strained by rising living costs.
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Speaker Birla emphasised the House's responsibility to uphold parliamentary dignity, warning against tactics that derail legislative business. The government countered that supply issues are being resolved through enhanced imports and domestic production ramps, but refused to suspend the agenda for an impromptu debate. Tensions reflect broader opposition strategies to spotlight perceived policy lapses during the session.
As the Budget Session progresses toward its April conclusion, such standoffs risk stalling key discussions on finance bills and national priorities. Political analysts note that opposition unity has intensified scrutiny on economic matters, potentially influencing public discourse ahead of future elections. The reconvened session at 2 pm will test whether cooler heads prevail or further chaos ensues.
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