Kolkata, March 13 (NationPress) In the run-up to the elections in West Bengal, the alleged disruption in LPG supplies attributed to the ongoing conflict in West Asia is rapidly escalating into a significant political controversy.

The ruling Trinamool Congress has accused the central government of failing to make adequate provisions in light of the conflict in Iran, while the primary opposition party, BJP, blames the state government for not addressing the issues of hoarding and black marketeering, which they claim are contributing to an artificial shortage.

Meanwhile, other opposition leaders are criticizing both dominant political factions in the state regarding this matter.

The global situation is linked to supply chain disruptions due to the West Asian conflict, impacting fuel and gas distribution not only in India but also raising international concerns.

“There is no shortage of LPG cylinders,” stated Suvendu Adhikari, the Leader of Opposition in the state Assembly, speaking to the media outside Kolkata's Lok Bhavan during a visit to inform Governor R.N. Ravi about a different issue.

A Kolkata resident, Suman Bagh, added that the supposed crisis stems from various factors. “In addition to the war's impact, there are internal issues like server malfunctions. We also hear that some individuals are hoarding supplies to exploit the situation financially, along with scheduling issues and last-mile delivery challenges,” he explained.

Despite assurances from the Centre that there is no real LPG shortage and calls for the public to remain calm, a political narrative has fueled public anxiety.

In the meantime, the Trinamool Congress is leveraging the LPG issue as a key campaign topic.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has strongly criticized the central government as public concern over LPG cylinder availability rises before the Assembly elections.

She is set to lead a protest march in Kolkata on Monday, March 16.

Notably, her previous protests on Kolkata’s streets were against the Election Commission's SIR of the electoral rolls.

On Tuesday, Chief Minister Banerjee ended her indefinite sit-in protest at Esplanade regarding the SIR process, which had begun on February 6, after Supreme Court comments suggested pathways for further legal redress.

She also noted that her decision to halt the protest was influenced by a request from Trinamool Congress General Secretary and her nephew, Abhishek Banerjee.

She has since criticized the Centre for inciting panic by stating that LPG bookings would only be available after 21 days, later extended to 25 days.

The Chief Minister convened emergency meetings with gas suppliers and state officials to ensure steady supply and combat black marketing.

Regarding the potential for controlling LPG cylinder price increases through waiving the state’s tax share, she has stated that subsidies won’t be effective if the supply is inadequate.

As uncertainty and chaos unfold, regional media reports indicate that restaurants, schools providing mid-day meals, hospitals, and hostel canteens are experiencing significant difficulties.

However, a shopkeeper at one of central Kolkata’s busy eateries pointed to two unused commercial LPG cylinders and an empty one when questioned about the alleged fuel crisis.

Following the SIR process, the LPG supply situation has become both an administrative priority and a political tool, with the Trinamool Congress directly targeting the central government as election dates approach.