Kolkata

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday reiterated that LPG cylinders produced within the state should not be diverted elsewhere, expressing concern over a possible shortage amid the ongoing West Asia crisis.

Speaking to reporters at the Kolkata Airport before leaving for Andal to address election rallies, Banerjee questioned whether the Centre’s recent excise duty cut on petrol and diesel would translate into real relief for consumers.

“They first raised fuel prices sharply and are now reducing duties only marginally. The benefit must reach the people,” she said.

The chief minister emphasised that while fuel and LPG supplies appear adequate, cylinders produced in areas such as Haldia should remain within the state to meet local demand, especially during the election period.

She pointed out that a large number of personnel from outside the state are expected to be deployed for poll duty, which would increase demand for LPG connections. “This should not lead to shortages for ordinary citizens,” she added.

Banerjee also said the state has increased kerosene distribution through the public distribution system to support households still reliant on it, though most have transitioned to LPG.

Earlier this month, during meetings with oil marketing companies and distributors, she had launched a 24-hour LPG control room at the state secretariat to monitor supplies and address bottlenecks.

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Additionally, the state government issued a detailed advisory and standard operating procedures aimed at preventing hoarding, black marketing, and diversion of LPG cylinders outside West Bengal.