Chandigarh, March 11
The impact of the Gulf conflict (particularly the ongoing tensions involving the United States, Israel and Iran) is now clearly visible in India. Disruptions in the international supply of crude oil and LPG have deepened the energy crisis, and the burden is being directly felt by common consumers. Haryana Congress President Rao Narendra Singh, while interacting with journalists, expressed serious concern over the issue. He said that due to the Gulf conflict, disruptions in crude oil and LPG supplies have led to an increase in domestic gas cylinder prices in the country. Recently (from March 7, 2026), the price of the domestic 14.2 kg LPG cylinder has increased by ₹60, reaching ₹913 in Delhi, while the commercial 19 kg cylinder has become ₹115 costlier, rising to ₹1,883.
Singh stated, “People who are already suffering from rising inflation are now facing a double burden due to the increasing prices and shortage of LPG cylinders. This has completely disturbed the household budget.” He warned that if the central government does not reduce prices and ensure smooth supply, the Haryana Congress will launch a statewide agitation. The shortage of domestic LPG cylinders in Haryana has become extremely worrying.
According to reports, the state currently has only about seven days of stock remaining (around 3.5 days with Indian Oil, 7.1 days with Bharat Petroleum, and 5.8 days with Hindustan Petroleum). Long queues are being seen outside gas agencies, and people are facing serious inconvenience.
Under directions from the central government, a minimum gap of 25 days has now been made mandatory between domestic cylinder bookings, while the supply of commercial cylinders has been halted until further orders. With the ongoing wedding season, the situation has become even more serious, creating an atmosphere of chaos.
In addition, around 250 gas-based textile and handloom industries in Panipat have reportedly shut down. Prices of polyester yarn have increased by nearly 20%, and businesses related to the food sector are also facing a severe crisis. If timely solutions are not found, both the general public and industries may suffer heavy economic losses.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi had earlier warned about this crisis. He stated that tensions in the Gulf region threaten India’s energy security, as more than 40% of India’s oil imports and most LPG supplies pass through the Strait of Hormuz. Now the impact is becoming visible—LPG prices have increased, and petrol and diesel prices may also be affected in the near future. He also criticized the central government, saying that the policies of the Modi government and its agreements with the United States have weakened India’s position, worsening the energy crisis.
The Congress party has demanded that the central government take immediate and concrete steps—boost LPG production, reduce prices, ensure smooth supply, and protect the public from hardship. If necessary, the party will also take the path of public protest. This crisis is not limited to Haryana alone but is being felt across the country, with fears that hotels and restaurants in several cities may face closures. The government must prioritize energy security, public welfare, and alternative import sources, and take swift action.
