Kolkata, March 7 (NationPress) In a display of frustration regarding the recent increase in LPG cylinder prices, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has organized a protest march scheduled for Sunday. This demonstration aims to voice opposition against the escalating costs of cooking gas.

During a sit-in rally at Esplanade, Mamata urged residents to participate in the protest armed with kitchen utensils.

The price surge in cooking gas cylinders across India is linked to the ongoing US-Iran tensions in the Middle East. As of midnight Friday, the cost of domestic cooking gas cylinders has risen by Rs 60.

"Just yesterday, there was a price hike of 60 rupees for cooking gas. Just three days prior, commercial gas prices jumped by 49 rupees. Now, the cost for a large cylinder has reached Rs 2,100, while a small cylinder approaches Rs 1,000. They expect people to book LPG cylinders 21 days in advance. How can someone run their household without gas for that long? What will families eat?" Mamata questioned.

From the dharna platform, she declared, "There will be a march tomorrow. No gas means no cooking. No gas means no food. Therefore, we will protest on International Women's Day with pots, pans, bowls, and other kitchen tools. To defend humanity, mothers and sisters, let's take to the streets. Wear a black saree if necessary. Bring these items in hand, and if possible, bring a gas stove or raw grains in a basket."

With the specter of war hanging over the Middle East, the Central Government has activated emergency provisions under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955.

Officials have instructed Indian refiners to maximize LPG production and ensure that the gas provided is exclusively for domestic consumers. The price of a 14.2 kg domestic cooking gas cylinder has been raised by Rs 60, increasing from Rs 879 to Rs 939, effective Saturday.

Additionally, the cost of commercial gas has also increased, with a new price of Rs 1990 per cylinder, up by Rs 50. This hike will likely raise dining costs at restaurants.

In other news, Mamata announced that beneficiaries of her government's new 'Banglar Yuva Sathi' initiative will start receiving financial support from today (Saturday). The scheme provides a monthly allowance of Rs 1,500 to secondary school graduates who are unemployed, an earlier rollout than the originally planned April 1.

"What was intended to start from April 1 will begin today. You will receive the Yuva Sathi funds starting now. Grants under the Lakshmir Bhandar scheme have been disbursed since February. We deliver on our promises," Mamata stated.