13/03/2026
*Office of Raju Bista*
*Press Release*
*13th of March, 2026*
In the past few days, people have shared their concern about the availability of domestic gas. I spoke to the IOCL Nodal Officer regarding this. I was informed that they have sufficient stock to meet the needs of the people of our region.
He further explained that normally IOCL handles 50,000 gas cylinder unit requests per day in the entire North Bengal region. However, people tried to book gas multiple times yesterday, causing the booking system to become over-burdened, and the software shutdown. Nonetheless, normal booking has been restored today.
It has come to light that some unscrupulous individuals with vested political interests are indulging in spreading rumours to spread fear and panic among the citizens. I am requesting the citizens, not to get swayed by their rumor-mongering.
Due to the ongoing disruptions in global energy supplies due to conflicts in West Asia and the blocking of the Strait of Hormuz, the government is prioritizing supply for domestic consumption as per the existing rates. Further, the Government of India is actively securing additional liquefied natural gas (LNG) and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) from alternative sources beyond the Middle East, and ramping up domestic productions.
Hence, we are requesting people, not to panic. I am keeping a close eye on the situation and will do everything in my power to ensure that people in our region do not have to face any problems. The government is working towards normalizing supply at the earliest.
*Raju Bista*
*Member of Parliament, Darjeeling and*
*National Spokesperson, BJP*
