New Delhi, March 12: Amid the ongoing controversy over LPG shortages and rising fuel prices, the Congress party sparked debate on social media after sharing a post on platform X that criticised the government. However, the party later deleted the post following widespread criticism for using an old photo.

The post featured an image carrying the slogan “Modi Hai To Mumkin Hai,” with a caption below that read “Modi ki line lagao yojana,” suggesting people were being forced to stand in long queues for LPG cylinders. Soon after it was posted, several users pointed out that the photograph used in the post was reportedly from 2011, leading to criticism of the Congress for sharing an outdated image to highlight the current issue.

Following the backlash, the party quietly removed the post from its social media account.

Meanwhile, protests against the recent hike in LPG prices have continued in several parts of the country. In Karnataka’s Mandya district, members of the District Congress Committee along with its women’s wing staged a protest against the Union government, condemning the increase in domestic and commercial LPG cylinder prices.

On March 7, oil marketing companies raised the price of a 14.2-kg domestic LPG cylinder by Rs 60, while the price of a 19-kg commercial cylinder was increased by Rs 114.50 to Rs 115. The hike has largely been attributed to rising global energy costs amid escalating geopolitical tensions in West Asia.

The Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) has also announced a statewide protest across all districts on Thursday, demanding that the Centre immediately roll back the recent LPG price hike. The party accused the government of failing to adequately plan fuel and gas supplies at a time when global markets are facing uncertainty due to the West Asia crisis.

Even as protests continue, the Congress is also preparing for internal organisational activities. The party is set to hold a two-day residential training workshop in Trimbakeshwar starting Thursday for candidates from the North Maharashtra division who recently contested local body elections.

Meanwhile, government officials have cautioned against panic buying and hoarding of LPG cylinders. Authorities said that misinformation circulating on social media has led to unnecessary panic bookings.

Officials urged citizens to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified claims regarding LPG shortages.

At a joint briefing by the Ministry of Shipping, Ministry of External Affairs, and the Ministry of Petroleum, officials said India’s domestic LPG production has been increased by nearly 25 per cent following government directives aimed at boosting output.

Sujata Sharma, speaking during the briefing, said that additional LPG cargo shipments are currently on their way to India and are expected to arrive within the next one or two days.

She also noted that India imports nearly 60 per cent of its LPG requirements, with about 90 per cent of these imports passing through the Strait of Hormuz.

“Currently, LPG is being directed primarily towards the domestic sector. For non-domestic LPG, priority is being given to essential services such as hospitals and educational institutions,” Sharma said.

She added that a committee is working with state authorities and industry representatives to ensure that the available LPG supply is distributed in a fair and transparent manner across the country.

Patna, March 11: As fears of shortage of LPG and petroleum products triggered panic buying across Bihar, the Bihar Police stepped in to manage the situation and issued an alert directing authorities to prevent chaos and hoarding. Although the government has stated that LPG stocks are sufficient and there is no need to panic, anxiety remains high among residents.

According to officials, the Special Branch of the Bihar Police issued an alert letter directing authorities to increase police patrols around petrol pumps and LPG agencies to prevent chaos and hoarding.

The directive was sent to Divisional Commissioners, Range IGs/DIGs, District Magistrates, and district police chiefs across the state.

The letter warned that tensions in West Asia, particularly involving Iran and the United States, could impact the supply of petroleum products, potentially causing panic buying.

Authorities were asked to remain vigilant against crowds, hoarding, and black marketing and to ensure law and order near fuel distribution points.

Bihar usually receives around 2.5 lakh LPG cylinders daily, including domestic and commercial cylinders supplied to homes, hotels, restaurants, schools, and hostels.

However, gas agencies claim that fresh supplies have not reached many areas for the past three days, meaning that only existing stock is currently being distributed.

In several districts, booking of commercial LPG cylinders has been temporarily stopped, while domestic consumers are waiting for hours to obtain cylinders.

Long lines have been reported outside gas agencies in multiple districts, including Gopalganj, Bhojpur, Darbhanga, Araria, West Champaran, Purnea, Supaul and other districts.

Consumers, including women and elderly residents, have been seen standing in queues from early morning, with many returning home empty-handed.

To control the situation, the government has invoked the Essential Commodities Act, 1955, which allows authorities to regulate supply and prevent hoarding of essential items such as fuel and food.

Under the current measures, a second domestic cylinder can only be booked after 25 days of the previous delivery. OTP or biometric verification has been made mandatory during delivery, and oil refineries have been directed to increase LPG production.

The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has also formed a high-level committee of executive directors from three state-run oil companies to continuously monitor supplies.

Meanwhile, residents in the Koira block of Katihar district have alleged that some gas agencies are secretly selling cylinders at inflated prices.

According to locals, while the official LPG cylinder price is around Rs 1,012, some cylinders are allegedly being sold in the black market for Rs 1,500–Rs 2,000.

Consumers claim that agencies often tell regular customers that stocks are exhausted while selling cylinders privately at higher prices.

The fear of supply disruption has been further fueled by rumours linked to geopolitical tensions in West Asia.

Many families are reportedly trying to stockpile LPG cylinders, which has worsened the shortage.

With complaints of shortages and alleged black marketing increasing, district administrations — particularly in Katihar — are under pressure to take strict action against hoarders and ensure fair distribution.

Residents say that unless the administration acts quickly, illegal trading and black marketing of LPG cylinders may continue, leaving ordinary consumers to bear the brunt of the crisis.

Jaipur, March 10: Parts of Rajasthan are likely to experience isolated heatwave conditions on Tuesday and Wednesday, particularly in the southwestern region, warns the Meteorological Department.

A slight drop in temperatures is expected from Thursday, while a new Western Disturbance may bring light rain, thunderstorms and gusty winds on March 14–15, leading to a possible 2–3 degrees Celsius decline in temperatures across the state.

The heat in Rajasthan is intensifying steadily, and the India Meteorological Department’s Meteorological Centre Jaipur has issued a yellow alert for heatwave conditions in four districts, including Jaisalmer and Barmer, for March 10 and 11.

On Monday, Barmer recorded a maximum temperature of 40.4 degrees Celsius, making it the hottest location in the state.

Meteorologists have also forecast that temperatures across Rajasthan could rise by another 1 to 2 degrees Celsius over the coming week.

According to weather officials, most cities in the state experienced clear skies and strong sunshine over the past 24 hours.

However, a slight dip in temperature was observed in parts of Pilani and Chirawa during the afternoon as light clouds appeared.

Apart from Barmer’s 40.4 degrees Celsius, Pilani recorded a maximum temperature of 39.5 degress Celsius. The heat is increasing steadily in Jaipur as well.

On Monday, the city recorded a maximum temperature of 37.8 degrees Celsius, while the minimum temperature stood at 22.8 degrees Celsius.

Despite the intense daytime heat, warm conditions continued late into the evening. Due to the dry weather, humidity levels in the city dropped to around 30 per cent.

Meteorologists say below-normal rainfall across North and Central India in February has contributed to the rapid rise in temperatures.

With limited cloud cover and dry conditions, the ground surface is heating quickly under direct sunlight.

Currently, maximum temperatures across most parts of Rajasthan are ranging between 36 degrees Celsius and 40 degrees Celsius, which is 4 to 10 degrees above normal.

Weather officials said conditions will remain mostly dry for the next three to four days, with isolated heatwave conditions likely in the southwestern districts on March 10–11.

A slight drop in temperatures is expected from March 12.