Didi urges LPG suppliers to prioritise local demand, blames Centre for crisis

Kolkata: CM Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday said LPG supplies to healthcare facilities, ICDS centres, midday meal kitchens and tourism will remain uninterrupted and urged suppliers to ensure that Bengal's LPG stocks be used to first meet local demands as she blamed the central govt for the situation surrounding LPG supply.

At a high-level meeting with top state officials, Indian Oil representatives and dealers, the CM checked on stocks at Haldia, Kalyani and Durgapur refineries. She said she had been assured that there were no issues with petrol and diesel stocks and only LPG was a concern. Speaking to reporters, she said a standard operating procedure would be laid out. "They assured us that there will be no crisis in the healthcare sector, for midday meal programmes or ICDS centres. They have been instructed to keep supply normal and they have agreed."


"No one should panic unnecessarily. I will hold a virtual meeting with districts on Thursday. It's true that there is panic among people. They are worried about what if they run out of gas today — that they would have to wait 25 days. This is a real cause for concern," she said.

The CM further said that she asked dealers why they weren't picking up calls from consumers and was informed that there was a telecommunication server breakdown. LPG dealers informed the CM that demand had jumped from two lakh to six lakh after the 25-day waiting announcement was made.

The CM added that the administration has offered to create a green channel for cylinder supply. "I requested them to enhance coordination with the state govt. There should be transparency in terms of stocks, supply capacity and actual supply," she added. Gas distribution agencies have been asked to appoint a nodal officer for every district who will monitor orders, needs and hoarding. "If someone is found hoarding, the govt will initiate seizures," the CM said.

The CM said kerosene reserves should be boosted until imports recover. "People get just 25% of what they used to receive as ration. Kerosene should be made available in the market and the limit of subsidised kerosene in ration should be increased to 50%," she said. Banerjee further accused the Centre of botching reserves before curbs due to the fallout of the war. "The govt of India is responsible for this situation. Why did it announce that gas would not be available for 25 days? The announcement led to this situation," she said.

"Don't just blame the war. Doesn't India have sufficient gas supply?" she asked. "Before imposing ESMA, there should have been proper planning. This is not the time for blackmail. The Centre should ensure reserves of LPG, oil and gas," she said. She added that the state govt was willing to extend subsidy-based assistance to consumers in spite of its financial constraints. "But that won't help much if gas isn't available," she said.