The Congress party on Friday criticised the PM Narendra Modi-led government over what it described as India’s growing dependence on fuel imports, alleging that earlier promises on energy security and affordable gas have not materialised. In a statement, senior Congress leaders said the country’s reliance on imported crude oil and natural gas has continued to rise, leaving the economy vulnerable to global price shocks. The opposition party argued that despite repeated assurances from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has not achieved meaningful progress in reducing its import burden in the energy sector.

The Congress also took aim at the government’s flagship push to expand access to cooking gas, particularly under schemes aimed at increasing LPG coverage. It claimed that while millions of households were enrolled, affordability remains a major concern, with rising cylinder prices limiting sustained usage among lower-income groups. The party used a wordplay to remark that the gas promised by Modi “remains gas,” suggesting that benefits have not fully reached intended beneficiaries.

Responding to the criticism, government officials have previously maintained that India’s energy strategy is shaped by global realities, including volatile crude prices and geopolitical tensions. They argue that initiatives such as diversifying import sources, boosting domestic production, and expanding renewable energy capacity are part of a long-term plan to reduce dependence on fossil fuel imports.

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India, the world’s third-largest oil importer, relies heavily on foreign supplies to meet its energy needs. Fluctuations in global oil markets often have a direct impact on domestic fuel prices and inflation, making energy security a politically sensitive issue. Experts note that while import dependence remains high, the transition to cleaner energy sources is expected to gradually reshape the country’s energy mix over the coming decades.

The Congress’s remarks come amid renewed debate over fuel pricing and economic pressures on households, with opposition parties increasingly targeting the government over cost-of-living concerns. The exchange highlights the continuing political contest over energy policy, as both sides seek to shape public perception ahead of upcoming electoral battles.

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