The Trinamool Congress expressed strong disapproval of the sudden surge in cooking gas prices in India, attributing it to the US-Iran conflict in West Asia. State minister Chandrima Bhattacharya and party spokesperson Tanmay Ghosh, at a press conference in Kolkata, blamed the Central government’s lack of foresight for the current gas shortage. Bhattacharya highlighted the potential disruption in gas supply through the Strait of Hormuz due to the tense situation in West Asia.
The party leaders criticized the abrupt Rs 60 to Rs 1,000 hike in cooking gas prices and the introduction of a 25-day waiting period for new cylinder bookings, leading to what they described as a national emergency. They emphasized the severe impact on the common people, with reports of hotels, restaurants, and auto-rickshaws facing challenges due to the gas crisis. Ghosh likened the situation to past crises like demonetization and the Covid-19 lockdown, accusing the BJP government of causing inconvenience to the public.
Despite the criticism, the Trinamool Congress assured the people of West Bengal that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is equipped to manage the situation. Measures have been taken to ensure a steady gas supply within the state by halting gas exports from local refineries in Haldia, Kalyani, and Durgapur until normalcy is restored. Additionally, the state government is closely monitoring meal services in schools to prevent any disruptions.
