​

The Congress party has announced a statewide protest across Maharashtra on Thursday against the recent hike in LPG cylinder prices and the alleged shortage of cooking gas.

According to party leaders, the demonstration will be held in all districts of the state on March 12 to highlight the difficulties faced by citizens due to rising LPG prices and supply disruptions.

Price hike adds to inflation burden

The Congress alleged that the Central government’s recent decision to increase LPG prices has further strained households already grappling with rising inflation. The price of domestic LPG cylinders has been increased by Rs 60, while commercial cylinders have become costlier by Rs 115.

Party leaders said the hike has had a direct impact on both households and businesses, particularly restaurants and small eateries that depend heavily on commercial LPG cylinders.

Concerns over gas supply shortage

In addition to the price hike, the Congress also raised concerns about the reported shortage of LPG cylinders in several areas. The party claimed that the waiting period for gas bookings has increased significantly, with consumers in some places forced to stand in long queues to obtain cylinders.

According to the party, the shortage has affected the hotel and food service sector, with some establishments reportedly being forced to suspend operations due to the lack of gas supply.

Congress leaders further alleged that the Centre’s claim that there is no shortage of LPG is inaccurate, as both households and commercial establishments are struggling to secure timely supplies.

Demand for immediate rollback

The party has demanded that the government immediately roll back the LPG price hike and ensure uninterrupted supply of both domestic and commercial cylinders.

Congress leaders also said that inadequate planning by the Central government in managing fuel and gas supplies has contributed to the situation. They added that the ongoing conflict in the Gulf region has further affected gas availability.

“With inflation already affecting citizens and the gas shortage worsening the situation, a serious crisis has emerged for common people,” the party said.

Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee Vice-President (Organisation and Administration) Advocate Ganesh Patil said Congress leaders, office-bearers, members of various cells and departments, and party workers will participate in the protests across the state to press the government to ensure smooth LPG supply for consumers.