Latest update:20 March 2026 at 07:58 IST

The woman revealed in her post that her mother received calls from two different phone numbers.

Her mother did not transfer any money or enter her bank PIN during the call. (representational image)

Amid the crisis surrounding the LPG shortage, a Kolkata woman shared a warning online about a suspected scam that tried to take advantage of the situation. The woman revealed in her post that her mother received calls from two different phone numbers.

The callers claimed they were offering urgent LPG assistance. During the conversation, they allegedly asked her mother to open her bank account while on a video call.

Kolkata woman warns of LPG scam

Fortunately, her mother sensed something was wrong and did not share any sensitive financial information. You did not transfer any money or enter your bank PIN during the call.

The woman wrote on X (formerly Twitter): “These numbers called my mother, tricked her saying they were offering urgent LPG assistance. Made her open her bank account via video call, luckily she was alert enough not to transfer money to them. Or write the pin on the camera.”

She also tagged the official account of Bidhannagar police and asked them to look into the matter. Along with her post, she shared the phone numbers she used to contact her mother.

See post here

These numbers called my mother and tricked her saying they were offering urgent LPG assistance. I asked her to open her bank account via video call, and fortunately she was alert enough not to transfer the money to them. Or to write the pin on the camera

Please take note @bidhannagarpc Please RT to access pic.twitter.com/MM0vL72ook

— Sohini

Why LPG shortages are becoming a bigger problem

This incident comes at a time when India is facing a shortage in LPG supplies. Many gas tankers bound for India from Gulf countries are currently stuck near the Strait of Hormuz, a major route linking the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea.

The obstruction is linked to increasing tensions between the United States, Israel, and Iran. Iran has intensified its attacks on tankers passing through the region, prompting companies to slow or temporarily stop shipments as a precaution. Although some movement is still permitted, it remains very limited.

According to reports, around 3,000 metric tons of LPG are currently stuck in the Strait of Hormuz, which shows how serious the turmoil is. Since India imports nearly 50 percent of its natural gas needs, any disruption in supply directly affects the country.

LPG prices rise amid supply disruption

Besides supply issues, households are also facing rising prices. The cost of a domestic LPG cylinder (14.2 kg) has been increased by Rs 60. LPG cylinders (19 kg), which are widely used by restaurants, foggers and small food businesses, are also becoming more expensive. Prices rose by around Rs 115 to Rs 144 this month.

For families under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY), there is some relief. Eligible beneficiaries continue to get a subsidy of Rs 300 per cylinder, which is directly credited to their bank accounts.

Read more