Minister Attributes LPG Cylinder Shortage to Modi Government's 'Failed' Foreign Policy
In a sharp critique of the central administration, Tamil Nadu's Minister for Natural Resources, S Regupathy, declared on Sunday that the ongoing scarcity of LPG cylinders stems directly from what he termed the 'failed' foreign policy of the Modi-led government. Speaking to journalists in Pudukkottai, Regupathy firmly rejected the notion that the shortage is merely a result of the escalating tensions between Iran and Israel.
Dismissing Conflict as Sole Cause
"It is incorrect to claim that the LPG cylinder shortage is exclusively due to the Iran–Israel conflict," Regupathy asserted. "This entire situation is a direct consequence of the failure of the Modi government's foreign policy." He acknowledged that the issue is connected to disruptions in maritime traffic through the critical Strait of Hormuz but emphasized that viable alternatives for imports exist and are being neglected.
Allegations of Succumbing to U.S. Pressure
The minister leveled serious allegations against the Union government, accusing it of bowing to external pressures. "There are absolutely no impediments to importing LPG from Russia," Regupathy stated. "However, the government is actively seeking permission from the United States and has capitulated to its pressure, thereby exacerbating the domestic supply crisis." This, he argued, highlights a strategic misstep in India's foreign policy approach under the current leadership.
Criticism Over Inadequate Strategic Reserves
Regupathy further lambasted the central administration for its failure to maintain sufficient strategic reserves of LPG, a lapse he described as a critical planning failure. "Historical conflicts of a similar nature have occurred without precipitating such a severe crisis," he pointed out. "The Union government should have proactively imported and stockpiled LPG to buffer against global market volatilities and geopolitical instabilities."
Drawing a stark comparison with international benchmarks, the minister highlighted China's preparedness. "China possesses the capacity to store enough LPG to meet its national requirements for 200 days," Regupathy noted. "The Modi government should have, at the very minimum, planned for a 100-day reserve to prevent such acute shortages from affecting Indian households." This lack of foresight, according to him, underscores a broader failure in governance and strategic resource management.
The remarks from the state minister come amid growing public concern over the availability of essential cooking fuel, with the central government yet to issue a detailed response to these specific allegations regarding foreign policy and reserve management.
