Chennai , 27 March (H.S.):The Communist Party of India (CPI) has called on the Election Commission to take immediate and stringent action against the alleged hoarding and black marketing of cooking gas cylinders, as shortages and rising prices of essential commodities continue to affect households and small businesses across the country.

In a statement issued on Friday, CPI State Secretary M.Veerapandian expressed serious concern over the growing scarcity of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) for both domestic and commercial use. He attributed the disruption in supply to the ongoing geopolitical tensions involving military actions on Iran by the United States and Israel, which he said had impacted global fuel availability and supply chains.

According to Veerapandian, the shortage of cooking gas has triggered a ripple effect across the economy, leading to a sharp increase in the prices of essential commodities, particularly food items. He noted that many small eateries, roadside vendors, and tea shops have been forced to either shut down temporarily or scale back operations due to the unavailability and rising cost of LPG cylinders.

Highlighting the difficulties faced by the general public, he said that households are struggling to access cooking gas, which has become both scarce and unaffordable in several regions. The situation, he added, has disproportionately affected lower- and middle-income groups who rely heavily on subsidised LPG for daily cooking needs.

Veerapandian further alleged that certain distribution agencies were deliberately hoarding LPG cylinders and diverting supplies to the black market, where they are being sold at inflated prices. Such illegal practices, he said, are exacerbating the crisis and placing an additional burden on consumers.

The CPI leader urged the Election Commission to intervene without delay, particularly in the context of the ongoing election period, to ensure that essential commodities are made available at fair prices. He called for strict enforcement measures against those involved in hoarding and black marketing, including inspections, monitoring of supply chains, and legal action against offenders.

Emphasising the urgency of the situation, Veerapandian said that safeguarding access to essential commodities is crucial during election times, and authorities must act decisively to protect the interests of the public.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman