Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Mar 16: Former Maharashtra chief minister Uddhav Thackeray on Monday sharply criticised the state and central governments over the growing LPG crisis, claiming that the shortage has severely affected businesses and households.

The Shiv Sena (UBT) chief alleged that nearly 40 per cent of restaurants in Mumbai have been forced to shut down because of the scarcity of gas cylinders.

Speaking to reporters, Thackeray questioned the government’s claim that there was no shortage. “If there is no shortage, then why are people being made to stand in long queues for cylinders?” he asked.

He also accused the administration of being disconnected from public concerns, saying there was a wide gap between chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde and the common people.

According to Thackeray, citizens’ grievances were not reaching what he described as the “People’s chief ,inister,” adding that the current situation reflected a breakdown in governance.

He further criticised Narendra Modi, questioning when the Centre would address the impact of global conflicts and rising inflation on Indian households.

Responding to the allegations, Fadnavis rejected the claims and accused the opposition of spreading panic. He said there was no shortage of LPG in the state and alleged that the opposition, including the Congress and the Thackeray faction, was circulating rumours to create fear among the public.

Fadnavis added that refineries are operating at full capacity and production has been increased, insisting that there was no need for citizens to stand in queues.

The controversy comes amid supply disruptions linked to geopolitical tensions in West Asia, which have affected global fuel flows. To manage the situation, the central government has invoked the Essential Commodities Act to prioritise domestic LPG supply over commercial usage.

Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri recently told Parliament that domestic supply remains stable but temporary restrictions have been imposed on commercial gas distribution to prevent hoarding.

Meanwhile, Supriya Sule, MP from the Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar faction), also criticised the situation and urged the Centre to convene an all-party meeting to address the crisis.

She said the shortage has disrupted the hospitality sector and placed additional financial pressure on households, calling on the government to present a clear plan to resolve the issue.