Resolution on Centre’s failure in foreign policy tabled before Punjab Vidhan Sabha; to be discussed on Thursday (tomorrow)
CHANDIGARH, 11th March 2026: A resolution was tabled before the Punjab Vidhan Sabha on Wednesday. It addressed the Union Government’s failure in foreign policy. It highlighted its impact on the country’s energy security. The resolution expressed deep concern over the emerging gas and energy crisis across the country. The resolution was tabled in the House by Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak. It will be discussed in detail in the Assembly on Thursday (tomorrow).
The House experienced disruptions and uproar as the resolution was introduced. Members raised concerns over the growing shortage of LPG. They also discussed the serious economic implications of the situation. The Speaker stated that the resolution had been formally tabled. A full discussion on the matter will take place in the Assembly tomorrow.
Members emphasised that the House feels a strong sense of urgency in the matter. Reports of LPG shortages have begun to create panic among consumers. This includes restaurants, dhabas, and small traders across Punjab.
Punjab Assembly ; Fuel Crisis Warning: Kataruchak Targets Centre
Tabling the resolution, Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak stated that the House records its deep concern. It also expresses serious dissatisfaction over the situation arising in the country. This situation is due to the Union Government’s failed foreign policy. Additionally, an imbalanced energy policy contributes to the issue. “This House records its deep concern and expresses serious dissatisfaction. The Union Government’s failed foreign policy has led to a situation. The imbalanced energy policy adds to the energy crisis emerging across the country,” Lal Chand Kataruchak said.
The present circumstances in India are not just the result of international developments, he noted. They are also a consequence of what he described as a weak, inconsistent, and directionless foreign policy. “The situation prevailing in India today results not only from international circumstances. This situation is also caused by the Union Government’s weak foreign policy. This policy is inconsistent and lacks direction,” Lal Chand Kataruchak added.
The Minister warned that the country’s energy security is now facing a serious threat, with alarming reports of LPG shortages emerging from several parts of the country. “Reports are emerging about a severe shortage of LPG supply. Because of this, restaurants, dhabas, small traders and ordinary consumers across the country are facing a serious crisis,” Lal Chand Kataruchak stated.
Gas Crisis? Restaurants Warn of Shutdown in 72 Hours
He informed the House about several major cities facing significant LPG shortages. These cities include Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Chennai. The National Restaurant Association represents over five lakh restaurants in the country. They have warned that if LPG supplies are not normalised within the next 72 hours, many restaurants might face closure. This situation may also affect thousands of food establishments.
The Minister also pointed out that the crisis is clearly visible in Punjab. The supply of commercial gas cylinders has been disrupted in several areas. Restaurant, dhaba, and small hotel operators are being forced to wait for long periods to obtain cylinders. “In many places, the supply of commercial gas cylinders is being disrupted. Restaurant, dhaba and small hotel operators are having to wait for long periods to obtain cylinders. The costs of small traders and food establishments are rising rapidly, while ordinary people are bearing the direct burden of rising domestic LPG cylinder prices,” Lal Chand Kataruchak said.
He further said that instead of reassuring the public in these circumstances, the Union Government has increased the prices of gas cylinders. “In such circumstances, instead of reassuring the public, the Union Government is increasing the prices of gas cylinders. This situation itself indicates that the Union Government is attempting to conceal the seriousness of the crisis,” Lal Chand Kataruchak added.
Punjab House Slams Centre Over Fuel Policy
The resolution also raises concerns about whether the country’s foreign policy is being shaped in a manner that prioritises the interests of a few corporate entities at the cost of India’s energy security.
The House was informed that domestic LPG cylinder prices currently stand at ₹913 in Delhi, ₹939 in Mumbai and ₹1002 in Chennai, while domestic cylinder prices have recently been increased by ₹60 and commercial cylinder prices by ₹1500.
Supporting the resolution, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said that the Union Government’s flawed foreign policy has compromised the country’s interests. “Due to the Union Government’s flawed foreign policy, the interests of the country have been bartered away to the United States,” Harpal Singh Cheema stated.
Speaking in favour of the resolution, Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains described the country’s foreign policy as a failure and pointed to the emerging challenges in the fertiliser and energy sectors. “NFL units at Nangal and Bathinda are almost shut down. From where will we get the urea? It is not only about LPG but LNG also. While the Panipat plant has been getting full supply,” Harjot Singh Bains said.
Assembly Demands LPG Relief From Centre
The resolution placed before the House strongly condemns the Union Government’s failed foreign and energy policies which, it states, have pushed the country towards a serious energy crisis. It demands that the Union Government immediately take emergency steps to restore normal LPG supplies, roll back the increase in prices of domestic and commercial gas cylinders, adopt a clear and transparent energy policy that places India’s national interests at the forefront, and announce immediate relief measures for small traders, the restaurant industry and ordinary consumers affected by the crisis.
The resolution also calls upon the Union Government to redefine the country’s foreign and energy policies in line with national interests, economic stability and the needs of the people to prevent such crises in the future.
The Assembly will take up a detailed discussion on the resolution on Thursday (tomorrow).
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