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Bengal Sets Up 24x7 LPG Control Room Amid Gulf Crisis Supply Fears

The West Bengal government has announced a Standard Operating Procedure to manage LPG supply concerns stemming from tensions in the Gulf region. A 24x7 control room will be set up at the state secretariat to coordinate monitoring and address bottlenecks with districts and oil companies. Simultaneously, Kolkata Police have increased vigilance to prevent black marketing of cylinders and are preparing alternative cooking arrangements. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has criticized the central government's policies, linking them to the supply crisis.

Key Points: Bengal SOP for LPG Supply Amid Gulf Tensions

  • 24x7 state LPG control room established
  • Committee chaired by Chief Secretary to review supply
  • Kolkata Police steps up vigil against black marketing
  • CM Mamata Banerjee blames Union govt for crisis
2 min read

Bengal govt issues SOP to manage LPG supply amid Gulf tensions

West Bengal establishes a 24x7 control room and crisis committee to monitor LPG supply and prevent black marketing amid Gulf tensions.

Bengal govt issues SOP to manage LPG supply amid Gulf tensions
"The control room will track LPG availability, stock position and movement across the state - State Govt Statement"

Kolkata, March 12

The West Bengal government on Thursday announced a standard operating procedure to guide coordinated monitoring, stabilise supplies and facilitate immediate redressal of public grievances regarding LPG availability in the state amid the ongoing Gulf crisis.

According to a statement issued by the state Information and Cultural Affairs Department on Thursday evening, a 24x7 state LPG control room will be set up at the state secretariat Nabanna, which will serve as the central coordination and monitoring hub.

"The control room will track LPG availability, stock position and movement across the state and coordinate with districts, distributors and oil marketing companies (OMCs) to address bottlenecks," the statement read.

The control room will have two dedicated helpline numbers, which will also operate on a 24x7 basis.

At the same time, a state-level committee for LPG crisis monitoring, chaired by Chief Secretary Nandini Chakraborty, will review the supply situation regularly and provide policy guidance for stabilising LPG availability across sectors.

Meanwhile, Kolkata Police have stepped up vigil across the city to prevent black marketing of cooking gas amid concerns over possible supply disruptions due to tensions in West Asia, a senior police officer said on Thursday.

All police stations in the city have been asked to maintain strict vigilance and monitor the movement and distribution of LPG cylinders.

The police have also decided to adopt alternative cooking arrangements, such as induction cookers and microwave ovens, in police barracks to deal with any potential shortage of commercial cooking gas.

The decision by the city police headquarters at Lalbazar came a day after Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee held an emergency meeting with LPG dealers to review the supply situation in the state.

On Wednesday, the Chief Minister also blamed the Union government for the crisis and said she could take out a march in the city next Monday to protest the increase in gas prices.

She said the situation has arisen due to the decision of the Union Petroleum Ministry to increase the booking gap for a gas cylinder to 25 days.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rajesh Q
Finally some proactive measures! The police vigil against black marketing is crucial. During any shortage, the mafias hoard cylinders and sell at triple price. The state committee must ensure supplies reach the common man, not the black marketeers.
A
Aman W
While the state's effort is commendable, the blame game doesn't help. Gulf tensions affect the whole country. Instead of protests, we need Centre-State coordination. The Petroleum Ministry should reconsider the 25-day rule—it's too harsh on middle-class households.
S
Sneha F
Good that police are switching to induction in barracks. Maybe the government should promote and subsidise induction cookers for the public too? It would reduce LPG dependence in the long run. #SustainableSolutions
V
Vikram M
Helpline numbers are fine, but will they actually pick up and solve problems? Past experience with such numbers is not great. Action on the ground matters more than announcements in Nabanna. Let's see results.
M
Meera T
As a homemaker in Howrah, this uncertainty is stressful. Cooking is a daily need. I appreciate the attempt to monitor supply, but please ensure rural areas and districts outside Kolkata are also covered. We often get forgotten.

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