The ongoing conflict in West Asia has triggered a severe LPG shortage across West Bengal, disrupting daily life and essential services. Families are struggling with empty cylinders, while commercial establishments like bakeries and restaurants face operational uncertainty. On Friday, Trinamool Congress MPs staged a vocal protest in the Parliament complex in Delhi, demanding accountability from the Centre. They alleged that while the government claims supply chains are stable, common citizens continue to endure days of waiting for refills.

In response to the crisis, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has convened emergency review meetings and issued a new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP). The state administration has set up control rooms to monitor distribution and curb black-marketing, prioritizing essential sectors like hospitals, schools, and community kitchens (Maa Canteens).

The crisis has severely impacted vulnerable populations, including fishermen in the Sundarbans who are unable to venture out due to fuel shortages. Meanwhile, Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri has urged citizens not to panic, citing a 25% increase in domestic LPG production. To regulate demand, the government has mandated a booking gap of 25 days for urban consumers and 45 days for rural areas. Despite these measures, reports of price gouging and hoarding continue to surface, prompting strict surveillance by the state’s Enforcement Branch.