Prakash Ambedkar Slams Centre Over ESMA in Gas Sector, Says Govt Unprepared for Crisis

After the Centre invoked the Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA) in the petroleum and natural gas sector, Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi national president Prakash Ambedkar alleged that the move indicates the seriousness of the situation and reflects the government’s lack of preparedness.

Ambedkar said the Centre has been speaking about “self-reliance” for several years, but claimed that the Narendra Modi government failed to invest adequately in gas reserves and the necessary infrastructure.

He further alleged that despite being aware that a possible conflict between the United States and Iran could disrupt global supply chains, the government did not make concrete preparations.

Ambedkar also pointed out that the Centre overlooked the option of importing gas from countries such as Algeria, Australia, Canada and Norway. According to him, these alternatives were given secondary priority until tensions between the United States and Iran escalated.

Against this backdrop, Ambedkar said India’s energy policy has been exposed and criticised the Centre for being unprepared for a major crisis. He warned that the policies of the Prime Minister and Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri could affect the livelihoods of people working in small and medium-sized dhabas, restaurants and the hospitality sector.

He added that the crisis could also impact catering businesses involved in weddings and religious functions. The shortage of gas and rising prices, he said, could directly affect millions of auto and taxi drivers who rely on LPG, while the fertiliser industry may also face difficulties.

As a result, Ambedkar warned, agricultural production could decline and food prices may rise.

Although CNG supplies are currently being prioritised, he cautioned that if the United States–Iran conflict continues for a prolonged period, it could have serious consequences for Indian industries and sectors dependent on CNG.

Launching a sharp attack on the government, Ambedkar alleged that by “bowing before the United States”, the Modi government has pushed the country’s middle class and poor into crisis.