Attempts on to control LPG crisis, says Union Minister Suresh Gopi
Thrissur (Kerala) (PTI): Union Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas Suresh Gopi on Thursday said that efforts are underway to bring the LPG crisis under control and that avenues are opening for India to secure additional supply.
Speaking to reporters here, he said Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri had answered questions regarding the LPG crisis in Parliament on Wednesday.
He said due to diplomatic sensitivities, some matters related to supply through the Hormuz Strait cannot be revealed.
"The Prime Minister has spoken to all countries regarding how the Hormuz Strait issue has affected lives and sought exemptions. I am not giving the exact data, but ways are opening for us to get more LPG," Gopi said.
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He said priority is being given to emergency utility services such as hospitals and crematoriums.
"We, as a ministry, feel the situation is under control. However, we have no right to control several technical aspects outside the country," he said.
He said the LPG crisis has affected daily life in many countries.
"Attempts are being made to overcome it. It will come under control," he said.
Gopi said there is a mechanism to regulate gas prices, and steps are taken in accordance with its directions.
He added that the right to fix prices was given to petroleum companies as they are public sector undertakings.
"How can you say that since PM Modi is governing, it should be withdrawn? The whole system is moving perfectly ahead. The Hormuz Strait is strategically critical for us," he said.
He said India cannot go to war with other countries over the issue of the Hormuz Strait.
He also said that he, along with the majority of people, is against war.
Gopi said full efforts are underway to address the LPG crisis.
He said that during the COVID period, the administration had the right to take crisis management measures and that this does not depend solely on the ministry.
Regarding restaurants shutting down due to gas shortage, he said efforts are being made to find a solution and reopen them.
"There might be strikes in protest against the crisis. But the entire world would have to go on strike in this critical situation," he said.
He added that during times of crisis, people should exercise self-restraint, as seen during the COVID period and wartime situations.
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Karnataka gram panchayats achieve record 89 pc tax collection in 2025-26: Minister
Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka has achieved a significant milestone in grassroots governance, with 5,943 gram panchayats across the state recording higher tax collection and revenue realisation in 2025-26 compared to the previous financial year, Minister Priyank Kharge said on Thursday.
The Department of Rural Development and Panchayat Raj reported total tax collections of Rs 1,382.57 crore in 2025-26, marking an increase of Rs 110.04 crore over Rs 1,272.54 crore collected in 2024-25, the minister’s office said in a statement.
This represents a record 89 per cent realisation of the current demand, the highest in recent years, it added.
The Minister for Rural Development & Panchayat Raj said, “Our focus over the past few years has been on improving systems, ensuring accountability, and empowering local bodies to enhance their own revenue capabilities.”
“It is encouraging to see that every rupee collected is being reinvested into village infrastructure, public services, and local development. This is laying a strong foundation for inclusive and sustainable rural growth,” he added.
Karnataka had previously secured the top position at the national level in tax collection and revenue mobilisation, and the continued upward trend highlights the impact of efficient administration, strict enforcement of regulations, and strengthened tax collection mechanisms.
In 2024-25, gram panchayats had, for the first time in the department’s history, collected Rs 1,272.54 crore, achieving 80 per cent of the current demand.
Building on this momentum, the state further improved performance in 2025–26, reaching a record 89 per cent collection efficiency, the statement said.
This achievement has been driven by extensive awareness campaigns, targeted tax collection drives, and the sustained efforts of officials at all levels—from gram panchayat bill collectors to senior administrators, the minister said, congratulating all staff and officers for their contribution.
Highlighting district-level performance, Priyank noted that Raichur district recorded an exceptional 129 per cent tax collection, while 11 districts across the state achieved over 100 per cent collection, demonstrating strong local-level execution and compliance.
Over the past three years, Karnataka has witnessed a steady upward trend in tax collection. The increased revenue is being channelled into public works, improved civic services, and local development initiatives, contributing to the overall progress of rural communities, he added.
