West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee warned of a possible nationwide lockdown amid fears of fuel shortages due to the West Asia conflict. Long queues formed at petrol pumps in Uttar Pradesh and other states, though governments assured no shortages. Oil companies confirmed normal supplies.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee warned on Thursday of a possible nationwide lockdown due to fuel supply concerns stemming from the ongoing West Asia conflict. Campaigning for TMC candidate Narendranath Chakraborty in Pandaveswar, she said, “They might impose a lockdown. They will keep people confined to their homes. I fought through the lockdown situation in 2021. I can fight in any given situation.” She highlighted LPG cylinder shortages, with delivery now taking 25 days after booking—down from 35—and prices rising from Rs 400 to Rs 1,100. Petrol prices have also increased, she noted, ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s virtual meeting with chief ministers on the fuel situation. Chief ministers of poll-bound West Bengal, Assam, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala were not invited. In Uttar Pradesh, long queues formed at petrol pumps in Lucknow and elsewhere. Principal Secretary, Food and Civil Supplies, Ranveer Prasad said, “Petrol and diesel are being supplied as per demand, and no district is facing any shortage.” He warned of action against rumour-mongers on social media. UP Petrol Pump Association vice-president Sudhir Bora reported demand surging from 3,000-4,000 litres to 8,000-10,000 litres daily at some outlets. In Hyderabad, the rush eased after two days, exposing issues like oil companies halting credit supplies to dealers. Telangana Petroleum Dealers Association president M. Amarender Reddy noted companies stop credit during crises. Panic over LPG shortages in Delhi prompted some migrant workers to return home, despite assurances. IOCL confirmed stable supplies in Tamil Nadu. Authorities continue monitoring to prevent disruptions.