West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has expressed her discontent over the recent increase in LPG cylinder prices and has urged people to join a protest march against this rise. The price of cooking gas cylinders in India has surged amidst the US-Iran conflict in the Middle East, with household cylinder prices escalating by Rs 60 since Friday midnight. Mamata criticized the sudden price hikes, highlighting the challenges faced by households due to the soaring costs of essential cooking gas.
Mamata, speaking from a sit-in demonstration in Esplanade, emphasized the impact of the price surge on common people, questioning the feasibility of booking LPG cylinders 21 days in advance. She called for a protest procession on International Women’s Day, urging women to participate with kitchen utensils to symbolize the struggle against the increased gas prices. The Chief Minister’s call for action comes in the wake of rising tensions in the Middle East, prompting the Indian government to invoke emergency powers under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955.
In response to the escalating crisis, the Centre has instructed Indian refiners to boost LPG production and mandated public sector oil companies to prioritize supplying LPG to domestic consumers. The price of a 14.2 kg domestic cooking gas cylinder has been raised by Rs 60, with consumers now required to pay Rs 939 for a cylinder previously priced at Rs 879. Additionally, the cost of commercial gas cylinders has also surged, impacting restaurant expenses and adding to the economic burden on businesses and consumers alike.
Moreover, Mamata Banerjee announced the early disbursement of financial aid under the ‘Banglar Yuva Sathi’ scheme, offering Rs 1,500 per month to unemployed secondary school graduates in West Bengal. The Chief Minister assured beneficiaries that the financial assistance, initially scheduled for April 1, would be distributed starting from the current date. Mamata reaffirmed her commitment to fulfilling promises made under various government schemes, emphasizing the timely delivery of aid to those in need.
