West Bengal Government Implements SOP for LPG Supply Amid Gulf Crisis
Synopsis
In light of the Gulf crisis, the West Bengal government has enacted a new SOP to manage LPG supplies effectively. This includes the establishment of a 24/7 control room to address public concerns and ensure stable distribution across the state.
Key Takeaways
Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) established for LPG supply management.
24/7 control room to monitor LPG availability and address public grievances.
State-level committee led by Chief Secretary for continuous review.
Kolkata Police increasing vigilance to prevent black marketing.
Alternative cooking arrangements being implemented in police barracks.
Kolkata, March 12 (NationPress) The government of West Bengal has introduced a new standard operating procedure (SOP) to effectively manage the supply of LPG amidst the ongoing tensions in the Gulf region. This initiative aims to ensure coordinated monitoring, stabilize supplies, and provide rapid solutions to public concerns regarding LPG availability in the state.
A release from the state’s Information and Cultural Affairs Department stated that a 24/7 LPG control room will be established at the Nabanna secretariat. This facility will act as the primary hub for coordination and monitoring.
“The control room will oversee the availability of LPG, monitor stock levels, and track the distribution across the state while liaising with districts, distributors, and oil marketing companies (OMCs) to resolve any issues,” the release noted.
Additionally, the control room will feature two dedicated helpline numbers that will operate around the clock.
Furthermore, a state-level LPG crisis monitoring committee, led by Chief Secretary Nandini Chakraborty, will continuously assess the supply situation and provide strategic guidance to ensure the stability of LPG across various sectors.
In response to potential supply disruptions due to rising concerns over tensions in West Asia, the Kolkata Police have heightened surveillance throughout the city to combat the black market for cooking gas. A senior police official reported this development on Thursday.
All police stations within the city have been instructed to maintain stringent vigilance and oversee the distribution and movement of LPG cylinders.
The police have also opted for alternative cooking methods, such as induction cookers and microwave ovens, in police barracks to prepare for any possible shortages of commercial cooking gas.
This decision from the city police headquarters at Lalbazar followed an emergency meeting held by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee with LPG dealers to evaluate the supply situation in the state.
On Wednesday, the Chief Minister criticized the Union government for the current crisis, stating that she might organize a march in the city next Monday to protest the rising gas prices. She attributed the situation to the Union Petroleum Ministry's decision to extend the booking gap for a gas cylinder to 25 days.
Point of View
The state aims to ensure that citizens have access to essential services without disruption. The involvement of local law enforcement further emphasizes the seriousness of the situation.
NationPress
2 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the new SOP issued by the West Bengal government?
The SOP aims to manage LPG supply effectively amid the Gulf crisis by coordinating monitoring, stabilizing supplies, and addressing public grievances.
Where will the 24/7 LPG control room be located?
The control room will be set up at the state secretariat, Nabanna in Kolkata.
Who will oversee the LPG crisis monitoring committee?
The committee will be chaired by Chief Secretary Nandini Chakraborty.
What measures are being taken to prevent black marketing of LPG?
Kolkata Police have increased vigilance across the city to monitor LPG distribution and prevent black marketing.
What alternative cooking methods are being adopted by the police?
Police barracks are adopting induction cookers and microwave ovens to prepare for possible LPG shortages.
