Traffic restricted on Dakshineshwar Bridge for 45 days; local buses to reroute via Nivedita Setu
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has issued a stern warning against the illegal hoarding of LPG as West Bengal grapples with a burgeoning fuel crisis triggered by the ongoing global conflict. With cooking and road transport being severely disrupted across the state, the Chief Minister directed District Magistrates and Police Superintendents to maintain strict vigilance. She emphasized that the government would not hesitate to confiscate gas stocks from those attempting to create an artificial crisis for personal profit during these trying times.
The impact of the fuel shortage is being felt acutely at the grassroots level, where some households are on the verge of stopping cooking altogether. Simultaneously, the transport sector is in turmoil, with daily commuters already bearing the brunt of increased auto-rickshaw fares. To address these systemic issues, the state administration is moving to prevent black marketing and ensure that available supplies reach the public fairly and transparently.
In a proactive move to stabilize the market, the Chief Minister is scheduled to hit the streets and hold a high-level meeting with gas dealers on Wednesday afternoon. This session aims to assess the current stock levels and streamline distribution channels. By engaging directly with stakeholders, the government hopes to curb panic buying and dismantle any hoarding networks that have emerged since the onset of the international energy supply disruptions.