West Bengal Chief Minister and TMC Supremo Mamata Banerjee on Friday sharply reacted to the Centre’s decision to slash excise duty on petrol and diesel, likening it to a bargaining tactic that offers little real relief to citizens.
Ensuring that people do not suffer in their everyday lives remains our priority.
Hon’ble Chief Minister Smt. @mamataofficial raised serious concerns over the availability of cooking gas, making it clear that essential supplies for the people of Bengal cannot be compromised. She… pic.twitter.com/EeGRcbSD2M
— All India Trinamool Congress (@AITCofficial) March 27, 2026
Speaking to the media, Banerjee said the move was comparable to negotiating in a saree shop—where prices are initially inflated and then reduced after bargaining.
“This is like going for shopping in a saree store. If you ask the price of a saree, he will perhaps tell you ₹1000. But after bargaining, he agrees to ₹400. Similarly, they have increased the price of gas. Even if they slash the excise duty now, where will the price actually stop?”
The Chief Minister stressed that her primary concern remains the well-being of citizens amid fluctuating fuel prices.
She assured that fuel and gas availability in West Bengal remains stable, but warned against administrative lapses that could lead to inconvenience for the public.
“What I am more concerned about is that the public should not face inconvenience… Although gas and petrol availability is sufficient in our region…”
At a time when large numbers of people are expected to come into the state during the elections, Banerjee cautioned that Bengal’s resources must first serve its own people. She stressed that no administrative decision should lead to shortages for ordinary families.
She also pointed out that while the state has historically ensured support through kerosene in the ration system, today most households depend on LPG, making uninterrupted access even more critical.
“Governance must protect people’s basic needs, not disrupt them.”
In a strong statement, Banerjee demanded a complete overhaul of the administrative machinery in the state, highlighting inefficiencies at multiple levels.
Banerjee also raised concerns over the movement of LPG supplies from Haldia, insisting that cylinders meant for Bengal should not be diverted outside the state.
“I demand that the gas cylinders from Haldia in Bengal not be sent out of the state.”
Her remarks come amid growing political debate over fuel pricing in India, with opposition leaders questioning whether recent duty cuts genuinely offset earlier hikes. The Centre, however, maintains that the reduction is aimed at easing the burden on consumers amid global energy uncertainties.
