Mamata Banerjee Leads Protest Against LPG Shortage in Kolkata
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee led a protest in Kolkata against the LPG shortage, accusing the central government of failing to ensure adequate supply. The rally, framed as a movement for the rights of Bengal's citizens, highlighted the impact of geopolitical tensions in West Asia on energy supplies. Banerjee criticized the government's lack of planning and called for better stockpiling of LPG and petroleum products. This protest reflects growing concerns over India's reliance on imports to meet its LPG demands, particularly from Gulf nations. The situation raises questions about the government's preparedness in the face of global energy disruptions.
| Mar 16, 2026, 17:21 IST
Protest Against LPG Shortage
On Monday, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee spearheaded a protest in Kolkata, addressing the alleged shortage of LPG and accusing the central government of failing to ensure adequate supply. Banerjee arrived at College Square to lead the rally, which proceeded towards Dorina Crossing. This march, organized to highlight the LPG shortage, was framed as a united movement for the rights and dignity of the people of Bengal. The Trinamool Congress called on citizens to join the march, urging supporters to participate in the rally led by Mamata Banerjee and to raise their collective voice for justice.
Government Accountability for LPG Crisis
Mamata Banerjee has attributed the increasing LPG shortage to the central government led by Narendra Modi. She claimed that the government failed to stockpile sufficient cooking gas and petroleum products before imposing restrictions, especially in light of disruptions in energy supply due to ongoing conflicts in West Asia. Speaking to a Bengali news channel on March 11, Banerjee stated that if the central government had planned ahead for potential disruptions in global energy supply chains, this crisis could have been avoided. She emphasized that the government should have ensured a sufficient reserve of LPG, oil, and gas before implementing restrictions without a proper plan to address the crisis.
Impact of Geopolitical Tensions
The LPG shortage is exacerbated by rising geopolitical tensions in West Asia, which have begun to affect global fuel shipments and supply routes. India heavily relies on imports to meet its LPG demand, with a significant portion sourced from Gulf countries.