LPG Price Hike Sparks Protests and Political Debate in West Bengal

The Indian government increased domestic LPG cylinder prices by Rs 60 and commercial cylinders by Rs 115 amid rising energy costs linked to the West Asia conflict. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and the Congress party criticized the hike, calling for protests and highlighting challenges like the new 21-day advance booking rule. BJP leader Mithun Chakraborty attributed price rises to external factors and questioned the state government's fuel taxes. TMC women activists held marches in Kolkata protesting the impact on households, especially women managing kitchens.