Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Thursday issued a sharp warning over India's energy security, accusing the government of failing to adequately prepare for what he described as an inevitable fuel crisis triggered by the West Asia conflict — and alleging that "flawed foreign policy" had left the country exposed to disruptions in global oil and LPG supplies.

The remarks came after Congress MP K.C. Venugopal sought permission from Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla to allow the Leader of Opposition to raise the LPG and oil crisis on the floor of the House — a request that was not granted in the manner Rahul said was conventional. Speaking to reporters outside, he said a new procedure appeared to have emerged where a Minister would first decide whether he could speak, undermining his ability to raise urgent national concerns directly in the House.

Rahul was pointed in framing his remarks as a national concern rather than a political attack. "This is not a political statement. I can see a big problem is coming," he said, urging the government to immediately begin preparations to protect citizens from fuel shortages. "All fuel is going to be a problem because essentially our energy security has been compromised. The government and the Prime Minister should instantly start the preparations, otherwise crores of people will suffer great losses," he said.

He argued that the West Asia conflict represented a far larger structural shift than a temporary supply disruption. "This war is fundamentally changing the current world order. We are entering an unstable time. During this time you have to change your mindset," he said, calling on the government to think deeply and act swiftly to shield Indian citizens from the fallout.

Rahul's warning is grounded in a stark energy reality. The Strait of Hormuz — through which approximately 20 percent of global LNG trade passes — has been effectively near-closed by the conflict, severely disrupting the movement of oil, gas, and LPG across international markets. Brent crude has surged close to $100 per barrel, domestic and commercial LPG prices have already been hiked, and hotel associations in major cities have warned of cooking gas stocks lasting just one to two days.

Taking direct aim at the Prime Minister, Rahul said: "The problem is that the Prime Minister is not able to function as the Prime Minister of the country. He is trapped. Anyway, he still needs to make sure that people of India are protected, and our energy security is managed by us."