On March 12, 2026, opposition MPs protested in the Parliament House complex against the shortage of commercial LPG cylinders. Rahul Gandhi attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stating that the PM is panicked over the Epstein files and Adani case. Protesters raised slogans and demonstrated with a mock brick stove.
On March 12, 2026, several opposition MPs, including eight suspended from the Lok Sabha, protested in the Parliament House complex over the shortage of commercial LPG cylinders. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, along with MPs from DMK, TMC, and SP, gathered near Parliament's Makar Dwar. They raised slogans such as 'Naam Narender, Kaam Surrender' and 'Modi ji, LPG'.
Women opposition MPs sat down with a mock brick cooking stove and raised slogans against the government. Speaking to reporters after the protest, Rahul Gandhi said, "The PM is saying that there is no need to panic. But the PM himself is panicked for completely different reasons. He is panicked because of the Adani case, Epstein. He is not able to come inside the House." He added that the Prime Minister's chair was empty the previous day.
The protest stems from disruptions in global fuel supplies due to the widening conflict in West Asia involving Iran, America, and Israel. The shortage of commercial LPG has affected the hotel sector, restaurants, street food vendors, and catering businesses, as the government prioritizes household cooking gas supply. On March 11, Prime Minister Modi appealed to people not to panic and assured that public interest would be protected. Oil companies have reassured that domestic LPG supplies remain secure.
Rahul Gandhi joined the suspended MPs for tea during the protest. The opposition has demanded a full-fledged discussion on the West Asia situation and its impact on India. In Delhi, many restaurants are managing with one or two days' stock, facing fears of temporary closures.
