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Mamata Steps In On LPG Supply, Criticizes Centre Amid Price Hike

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has held meetings with gas and CNG companies to address public concerns over LPG supply chain disruptions, despite stating the matter falls under the Union Government's purview. Her intervention comes amid a recent Rs 60 price hike for non-subsidised cooking gas cylinders announced by the Centre, with prices now varying by state due to local taxes. A government official stated that LPG is being prioritized for the domestic sector and essential services like hospitals, with two new LNG shipments en route to India. The government has also implemented a new 25-day waiting period between domestic LPG cylinder bookings.

Key Points: Mamata Banerjee Coordinates Gas Firms Amid LPG Supply Disruption

  • Mamata coordinates with gas firms on supply
  • LPG cylinder prices hiked by Rs 60
  • New 25-day inter-booking period mandated
  • Priority supply to hospitals, institutions
2 min read

West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee coordinates with gas and CNG companies amid supply chain disruptions

West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee meets gas companies to ease LPG supply chain issues, criticizes Centre's control as prices rise Rs 60.

"The supply chain is not in our hands. It is in the hands of the Government of India. - Mamata Banerjee"

Howrah, March 11

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday said that she has coordinated with the gas and CNG companies to help the public amid the LPG supply chain disruption.

Addressing a press conference, Banerjee stated that she took the step, even though the supply chain is to be maintained by the Union Government, adding that while the Trinamool Congress has made the efforts, the problem will take time to resolve.

"The supply chain is not in our hands. It is in the hands of the Government of India. But even then, we have called the gas companies and CNG companies and held meetings with them, and requested them to do for the public what we should do. It takes time to resolve the problem; now we have to see how much they heed our words," the CM said.

Amid the West Asia conflict, the Centre had recently announced a price hike of Rs 60 for cooking LPG cylinders.

Following the hike, the non-subsidised prices of LPG cylinders stand at Rs 913 in Delhi, Rs 939 in Kolkata, Rs 912 in Mumbai, and Rs 928 in Chennai. The difference in prices across states comes from the applicable taxes levied by the state government.

The government has mandated a new 25-day inter-booking period for domestic LPG refills.

Earlier today, Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, said the government has absorbed a significant part of the cost increase to the increase to protect the consumers.

"Currently, LPG is being directed to the domestic sector. For non-domestic LPG, priority is being given to essential sectors such as hospitals and educational institutions. The committee is consulting with state authorities and industry bodies to finalise the plan to ensure that available LPG is distributed fairly and transparently," she said, addressing an Inter-Ministerial press briefing.

Sharma added that two LNG cargos are on their way to India.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
While I appreciate the effort, the timing feels political. The price hike of Rs 60 is already hurting middle-class families. Instead of just "coordinating," can we get some concrete relief on state taxes to lower the Kolkata price? It's the highest among metros!
R
Rohit P
The 25-day inter-booking period is a nightmare for large families. The Centre says it's protecting consumers, but how? By making us wait longer and pay more? The entire system needs an overhaul, not just temporary fixes during crises.
S
Sarah B
It's a complex global supply issue. At least the authorities are communicating. The two LNG cargos on the way are a positive sign. Let's hope for a swift resolution. Constant blame games between state and centre don't help the common man.
V
Vikram M
Didi is right to point out the supply chain is with the Centre. But ultimately, we just want our cylinders on time. All this "he said, she said" doesn't cook our food. Hope the meetings with companies actually lead to faster deliveries.
K
Kavya N
The priority to hospitals and schools is correct. But what about small restaurants and dhabas? They are essential too for daily wage workers. The non-domestic sector is suffering silently. The plan must consider them.

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