On March 11, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced her coordination with gas and CNG companies to address the difficulties faced by the public due to disruptions in the LPG supply chain. During a press briefing, she emphasized that although managing the supply chain is primarily under the jurisdiction of the Union Government, the Trinamool Congress party has proactively taken steps to alleviate the situation. She remarked that resolving these issues could take time and expressed hope that the involved companies would respond positively to their requests.

Recent Price Hikes Amid Global Conflicts

The Chief Minister highlighted the challenges posed by geopolitical tensions, which have led to a recent increase of Rs 60 in the price of cooking LPG cylinders announced by the central government. Consequently, the non-subsidized price of LPG cylinders has reached Rs 913 in Delhi, Rs 939 in Kolkata, Rs 912 in Mumbai, and Rs 928 in Chennai. The variation in prices across different states is attributed to the respective state taxes imposed on these products.

New Regulations Enforced for LPG Refills

An important regulatory change has been initiated, mandating a new inter-booking period of 25 days for domestic LPG refills. This measure aims to manage the scarcity effectively, while ensuring equitable distribution. The measures introduced underscore the government’s commitment to addressing the socioeconomic impact of the price hikes and supply disruptions.

Government’s Commitment to Consumer Protection

During the press briefing, Sujata Sharma, the Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, discussed the government’s strategy to mitigate the effects of increased costs on consumers. She noted that the government has absorbed a considerable portion of the cost hike to protect consumers from exorbitant price surges. Sharma reiterated that the current focus is on ensuring that LPG is prioritized for the domestic sector, while also ensuring that critical sectors such as hospitals and educational institutions receive necessary fuel supplies.

Future Supply and Distribution Plans

Furthermore, Sharma informed that two LNG cargos are en route to India, which is expected to bolster the supply. She indicated that ongoing consultations with state authorities and industry stakeholders aim to finalize an equitable distribution plan for available LPG. The government’s efforts are directed towards ensuring transparency and fairness in the dispersal of resources amid the prevailing circumstances, demonstrating a systematic approach to addressing the supply chain issues.

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