LPG Shortage: India like all countries of the world has been deeply impacted by the acute shortage of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG). Countless reports of LPG shortage, rising concerns about households & businesses and long waiting times have become common in different states of the country.
Amid this situation, recent announcements that BJP-ruled states like Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh will receive higher commercial LPG allocation have triggered a larger debate: are certain states getting preferential treatment, especially those ruled by the National Democratic Alliance (NDA)?
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LPG Shortage: What’s Happening Across India?
The current-day LPG shortage is not limited to a few regions of the country; it has become a nationwide issue, triggered by global supply disruptions. As a result, daily bookings have gone as high as 87 lakhs due to panic buying. Moreover, roadside eateries, hotels, restaurants and dhabas have been left stranded due to lack of commercial LPG cylinders.
Government Response: Increased LPG Allocation
To tackle the shortage of LPG cylinders, the Union Government has taken a series of steps, including an increase in commercial LPG allocation for all states and union territories. Additional supply is being prioritized for sectors like industrial canteens, hotels & restaurants, community kitchens and food processing units. In all senses of understanding, the policy is national in scope, not limited to specific states.
Are NDA-Ruled States Being Favoured?
Available data and government announcements clearly show that the increase in LPG allocation applies to all states and union territories in India. The increase is based on shortages, demand and sectoral requirements and not political alignment.
States such as Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana and Uttarakhand often have higher LPG coverage, large rural populations dependent on LPG and strong distribution networks. This could result in higher visible demand and faster policy response when LPG shortages occur. So, when additional allocation is announced for such states, it may reflect higher demand pressure, not preferential treatment.
