Bengaluru Gas Crisis: State Assembly Erupts Over LPG Shortage And Black Marketing

BENGALURU — The Karnataka State Assembly witnessed a stormy session on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, as lawmakers traded barbs over the worsening LPG crisis. With the U.S.-Israel-Iran war choking global supply lines, the “Silicon Valley of India” is facing a severe energy crunch that has sent domestic cylinder prices soaring to double their official rates in the black market.

The session highlighted a deep political divide, with the ruling Congress blaming the Centre’s foreign policy and the opposition BJP pointing to global volatility.

1. Assembly Face-off: “Weak Foreign Policy” vs. “Global Conflict”

The debate during Zero Hour saw sharp personal and political attacks:

• The Congress Charge: MLA HD Ranganath (Kunigal) alleged that the crisis is a direct result of “weak foreign policy,” noting that domestic cylinders officially priced at ₹900 are being sold for ₹1,800, while commercial units have hit ₹4,000.
• The “Mandanna” Jab: Minister Priyank Kharge criticized the Prime Minister’s silence on the crisis, contrasting it with his social media activity. “He can wish Rashmika Mandanna on her wedding, but won’t speak about this,” Kharge remarked, while also questioning the strength of India’s diplomatic ties with Israel.
• The BJP Defense: MLA V. Sunil Kumar rejected the claims, stating the shortage is a logical byproduct of a Middle East war and accused the state government of using the crisis to distract from local governance failures.

2. Essential Commodities Act & Rationing

State Food and Civil Supplies Minister KH Muniyappa confirmed that the Essential Commodities Act is now being strictly enforced to stabilize the market.

• One-Cylinder Mandate: The state is working with IOC, HPCL, and BPCL to ensure every household receives at least one cylinder per month.
• Priority List: Domestic consumers and essential services (hospitals/schools) are at the top of the ladder.
• The “Bottom” Tier: Restaurants and small businesses have been moved to the bottom of the priority list, leading to fears of widespread closures in Bengaluru’s hospitality sector.

3. Commercial Fallout & The WFH Push

The shortage is hitting Bengaluru’s economy at a critical time—the peak of the wedding and events season.

• Black Market Surge: Distributors in Cubbonpete and Kirti Nagar report that desperate businesses are turning to unofficial channels, paying 100% premiums to keep kitchens running.
• The WFH Suggestion: To conserve fuel and energy, corporate voices are stepping in. Chandrasekar Cuttackam, VP at Wells Fargo, urged Bengaluru’s tech giants to shift to Work From Home (WFH) as an act of “corporate social responsibility” during the fuel shortage.

Bengaluru LPG Market Pulse: March 12, 2026