Rahul Gandhi Warns of Energy Security Risks, Urges Government to Prepare for Fuel Challenges

New Delhi, March 2026 : Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Thursday raised concerns about India’s energy security, warning that the country could face serious fuel supply challenges if the government does not prepare adequately for emerging global uncertainties. He also criticised what he described as “flawed” foreign policy decisions that, according to him, have contributed to the current situation.

Speaking to reporters outside Parliament of India, the Congress leader said he had sought permission to raise the issue of gas and LPG availability in the Lok Sabha but was not allowed to speak on the matter.

Gandhi said there was normally a procedure that allows Members of Parliament to request permission to raise urgent matters in the House. However, he claimed that this time he was prevented from making a statement regarding the country’s gas and LPG situation.

“Normally there is a procedure where you can ask to speak. I had asked to be allowed to make a statement regarding the gas and LPG situation. This is just the beginning. I wanted to speak about it, but it seems a new procedure has started where the minister will first decide, then I will speak, and then the minister will respond,” he said.

The Congress MP warned that uncertainty in the global energy sector could lead to difficulties in securing fuel supplies in the near future. According to him, the problem is not limited to a single fuel source but could affect petrol, gas and other forms of energy.

“Basically, the main thing is that gas is going to be a problem. Petrol is going to be a problem. All fuel is going to be a problem because our energy security has been compromised,” Gandhi said.

He argued that India must start preparing immediately to address possible disruptions in fuel supply chains. Gandhi urged Narendra Modi, the Prime Minister of India, and the government to take proactive steps to prevent the situation from affecting ordinary citizens.

“Flawed foreign policy has created this problem. Now it doesn’t matter how we reached here—we must prepare for it. The government and PM Modi should begin preparations; otherwise crores of people will suffer,” he said.

Gandhi also suggested that the issue goes beyond the immediate question of whether specific countries will continue supplying energy to India. According to him, the situation reflects broader geopolitical shifts taking place around the world.

“This war is fundamentally about the current world order,” he said, referring to the ongoing tensions involving Iran and other global powers.

He emphasised that the changing geopolitical landscape is likely to create instability in international supply chains, including energy markets. Gandhi argued that policymakers must rethink their approach to ensure that India’s interests remain protected during periods of global uncertainty.

“It is a much bigger issue than whether Iran will allow fuel or not. We are entering an unstable time, and when the world becomes unstable, the mindset must change,” he said.

The Congress leader stressed that his remarks were not intended as political criticism but as a warning about potential risks that could emerge in the near future. He said policymakers should focus on exploring different scenarios and developing strategies to shield the public from the consequences of global instability.

“I am not making a political statement. I can see a big problem coming. Even if the issue is resolved at the level of Iran, the problem will not disappear because the world order itself is changing,” Gandhi said.

He added that India must adopt a clear and strategic approach to navigate the changing global environment. According to him, policymakers should ensure that India remains at the centre of its own decision-making process rather than reacting to developments after they occur.

Meanwhile, protests have continued in several parts of the country over the recent increase in LPG cylinder prices.

In Karnataka, members of the Indian National Congress staged demonstrations in Mandya district against the price hike. The protest was organised by the District Congress Committee along with the party’s women’s wing, which accused the Union government of failing to protect consumers from rising fuel costs.

Earlier this month, oil marketing companies increased the price of a 14.2-kg domestic LPG cylinder by ₹60, while the price of a 19-kg commercial cylinder was raised by ₹114.50. The increase has been largely attributed to rising global energy prices amid escalating geopolitical tensions in West Asia.

The Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee has also announced statewide protests across districts demanding that the Union government roll back the recent price hike. The party alleged that the Centre had failed to adequately plan fuel and gas supplies at a time when international markets were already facing volatility.

At the same time, government officials have urged the public not to panic over rumours about possible LPG shortages. Authorities warned that misinformation circulating on social media has led to unnecessary panic bookings of LPG cylinders in some areas.

Officials advised citizens to remain calm and avoid hoarding cylinders, emphasising that the supply situation is being closely monitored and that unverified information should not be spread.

(The content of this article is sourced from a news agency and has not been edited by the Mavericknews30 team.)