LPG – Congress Demonstrates in Delhi Over Cooking Gas Supply and Price Rise
LPG – Congress supporters gathered in central Delhi on Friday to protest what they described as a worsening shortage of LPG cylinders and rising cooking gas prices. The demonstration took place near the Bharatiya Janata Party headquarters on DDU Marg and was led by Delhi Pradesh Congress Committee president Devender Yadav.
Protest March Begins from Rajiv Bhawan
The protest began earlier in the day at Rajiv Bhawan, the office of the Delhi Pradesh Congress Committee. Party members assembled at the premises before marching toward the BJP headquarters located nearby.
As the group moved through the area, demonstrators raised slogans criticizing the central government and demanding the resignation of Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri. The protesters argued that authorities had not taken adequate steps to address the issues surrounding LPG supply and pricing.
Women Workers Carry Cylinders During Demonstration
Several women participants carried LPG cylinders on their heads and shoulders during the protest, symbolically highlighting what they described as the burden faced by households due to the cooking gas situation.
The demonstration also included a symbolic act meant to draw attention to the issue. Devender Yadav, along with women party workers, used a traditional earthen stove to prepare tea and rotis at the protest site. The act was intended to portray the difficulties people might face if cooking gas becomes unavailable or unaffordable.
Congress Criticizes Centre Over Energy Situation
Speaking during the protest, Yadav accused the central government of failing to adopt effective policies to deal with the gas situation. He alleged that instead of implementing strong measures to stabilize supply and pricing, the government had adopted a passive approach.
According to Yadav, the situation has become serious enough that households could be forced to rely on traditional stoves in the absence of LPG cylinders. He also criticized what he described as the lack of proactive international energy engagement to manage the crisis.
Detentions Reported During Protest
The Congress party later stated that police detained several protesters during the demonstration. Among those taken into custody was Devender Yadav along with a number of party workers.
According to the party, the detainees were taken to the IP Estate police station. They were released later the same day. The police action took place as the group attempted to move closer to the BJP headquarters during the protest.
Congress Raises Questions on LPG Pricing
Yadav also referred to recent statements by Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and Members of Parliament from Delhi. He claimed that about ten days earlier there had been discussions about providing free gas cylinders to residents during the Holi festival.
However, according to the Congress leader, instead of providing relief, the price of cooking gas had increased. He said this had added to the financial pressure faced by many households.
Earlier Protests Held Across the City
The demonstration on Friday followed a series of protests organized by the Delhi Congress a day earlier. On Thursday, party workers gathered outside gas agencies at multiple locations across the national capital.
According to the party, protests were held at around 258 locations spread across 14 districts in Delhi. The demonstrations focused on the availability of LPG cylinders and the increase in their prices.
During those protests, participants demanded that the government immediately roll back the recent price hike and ensure adequate supply of cooking gas cylinders for consumers.
Demand for Immediate Policy Response
Congress leaders said the protests would continue if the concerns raised by citizens are not addressed. The party urged the government to review the pricing policy and take steps to stabilize LPG supply so that households do not face disruptions in cooking fuel availability.
The demonstration highlighted the ongoing political debate surrounding fuel prices and energy access in the national capital, an issue that continues to affect many urban households.