Amid rising concerns over shortages of domestic and commercial LPG cylinders, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday held an emergency meeting with LPG dealers in Kolkata to review the situation and ensure uninterrupted supply across the state.
The meeting was convened at Soujanya amid growing complaints from residents and commercial establishments about delays in cylinder deliveries and difficulties in booking refills.
Mamata Orders SOP On LPG Stock
Speaking to the media after the meeting, Mamata Banerjee said she had directed LPG distributors to prepare a detailed Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) regarding the available stock of LPG cylinders in the state.
“I have asked the LPG dealers to make a proper SOP of the available LPG stock in West Bengal so that distribution can be managed effectively,” she said.
The chief minister emphasised that the priority is to ensure that every household receives cooking gas without disruption.
Strict Warning Against Black Marketing
During the meeting, Banerjee also warned LPG dealers against any form of black marketing or hoarding of cylinders.
“I have clearly told them that no one should engage in black marketing of LPG cylinders. They must ensure proper rationing so that not a single citizen of the state is denied access to cooking gas,” she said.
She also instructed distributors to fix technical issues in their booking systems, as many consumers have reported problems while trying to book cylinders over phone or online platforms.
Statewide Review Meeting Planned
The chief minister announced that she will hold another high-level meeting on March 12 with officials from multiple government departments to assess the overall situation and explore solutions.
The review will focus on ensuring proper supply chains and addressing consumer complaints across districts.
Mamata Blames Centre For Supply Issues
Banerjee also criticised the central government, claiming that West Bengal has not received adequate LPG supplies.
According to her, the state government has limited authority over petroleum distribution, which falls under the jurisdiction of the Union government.
“I have been informed by my Chief Secretary that the central government has failed to provide the required LPG stock to the state. The state government has no control over the petroleum department,” she said.
Political Attack On Central Government
Taking a sharp political swipe, Banerjee accused the Centre of poor planning in dealing with the LPG supply situation.
She alleged that the government should have anticipated the problem and made alternative arrangements before increasing the waiting period for LPG cylinder bookings.
The chief minister also raised concerns about the broader impact of the shortage, particularly during the summer season.
Power Demand Could Rise
Banerjee warned that the LPG shortage could push households to rely more on electrical appliances such as microwave ovens and induction cooktops.
This shift, she said, could lead to increased electricity demand and potential power cuts during the summer months when air conditioner usage also rises.
Long Queues At LPG Offices
Meanwhile, reports from several districts indicated that residents were seen standing in long queues outside LPG offices as many consumers struggled to book new cylinders or receive deliveries.
Officials said the state government is closely monitoring the situation while coordinating with distributors to stabilise supply and prevent panic among consumers.
