The ongoing LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) crisis in West Bengal has reached a point where it is now disrupting sacred family rituals and social customs. In a heartbreaking instance reported from North Kolkata, a grieving family was forced to purchase a domestic gas cylinder from the black market for a staggering ₹2000 to complete the ‘Shradh’ (memorial feast) for their late relative.

The Crisis Unfolds: The family had planned a traditional feast for hundreds of relatives as part of the last rites. Despite having pre-booked their cylinders weeks in advance, the local distributor failed to deliver the gas, citing a severe shortage. As the time for the ceremony approached and no help was in sight, the family found themselves in a desperate situation with no fuel to cook the ritual meals.

Profiteering from Grief: Exploiting the shortage, local middlemen and hoarders are reportedly charging exorbitant prices, ranging from ₹1800 to ₹2200 per domestic cylinder. The family lamented that while they were already dealing with the loss of a loved one, the added stress of managing essential fuel at such high costs was mentally and financially draining. “We had no choice but to pay the black-market rate to save our family’s dignity in front of the guests,” said a family member.

Administrative Gaps: Although Nabanna has established a 24-hour control room and promised strict action against hoarders, the ground reality in North Kolkata tells a different story. The incident highlights a significant gap between administrative orders and local enforcement. While the state government claims the supply is stabilizing, such incidents of exploitation during emotional family events have sparked outrage among citizens. People are now questioning why essential services like LPG are not being prioritized for emergencies and social ceremonies.