In a strategic pre-poll move, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has announced that the BJP-led NDA will provide two free LPG cylinders annually to families if re-elected. The announcement comes at a critical time as the state prepares for Assembly elections on April 9, set against the backdrop of a volatile global energy market.
The “Festival Gift” Promise
Addressing a rally on Saturday, the Chief Minister—affectionately called “Mama” by many in the state—framed the initiative as a direct relief measure for households.
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Timing: One free cylinder will be provided before Bihu and another before Durga Puja.
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The Commitment: Sarma assured voters that the financial burden would be shouldered by the state government: “You won’t need to pay for this, ‘Mama’ will pay.”
Context: The LPG Crisis and West Asia Conflict
The promise arrives as India grapples with an LPG supply squeeze triggered by the Iran-US conflict, which began on February 28, 2024.
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Import Reliance: India imports roughly 60% of its LPG, with a vast majority coming via the now-turbulent Strait of Hormuz.
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Price Hikes: Domestic LPG prices saw a sharp increase of ₹60 per cylinder in March 2024 following a spike in Brent crude prices to over $120 a barrel.
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Government Action: The Centre has invoked the Essential Commodities Act to prioritize household supply over commercial use.
Crackdown on Distribution Irregularities
Parallel to the political announcement, the Assam government has taken a “zero-tolerance” stance on local supply disruptions.
Suspension of Distributors: Five LPG agencies were suspended with immediate effect on Saturday for violating the Centre’s new Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). The suspended distributors include:
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B.M. Gas Service (Tezpur)
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Biswanath Gas Distributor (Biswanath Charali)
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Gadadhar Gas Service (Dhubri)
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K.A. Indane Gramin Vitrak (Howly, Barpeta)
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Prakash Indane Agency (Hojai)
The Chief Secretary confirmed that while these agencies are under investigation for “irregularities,” consumers have been reassigned to alternate distributors to ensure 100% domestic allocation remains uninterrupted.
Election Countdown
With voting scheduled for April 9 and results expected on May 4, Sarma’s “LPG guarantee” is seen as a major move to consolidate the support of women and rural households who are most affected by the rising cost of living.
