The Congress on Friday attacked the Centre over the sharp increase in LPG cylinder prices, alleging that the move places an undue burden on ordinary citizens and small businesses soon after the conclusion of the election cycle.
In a statement, senior Congress leader K C Venugopal criticised both the timing and scale of the hike, calling it reflective of the government’s indifference to public hardship.
The Centre on Thursday evening raised the price of commercial LPG cylinders by Rs 993 across India, amid rising global energy pressures and continued volatility in international fuel markets.
The 19-kg commercial cylinder, widely used by hotels, restaurants, and food vendors, has become significantly more expensive following the revision.
“Just as the election cycle concluded, the Modi government wasted no time to increase prices of LPG cylinders,” Venugopal said, targeting the administration led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
He noted that the nearly Rs 1,000 hike would have a severe impact on millions who depend on affordable meals from small eateries.
He argued that the increase would trigger a cascading effect, affecting both consumers and small businesses already grappling with rising costs. “Crores of Indians rely on food from small eateries for sustenance. Similarly, crores of small food businesses will have to bear the burden of this hike,” he said.
Taking aim at the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, Venugopal alleged that the government prioritises electoral considerations over sustained economic relief. “The BJP’s regard for the common Indian’s suffering is limited to election gimmicks, after which they’re left to their own devices,” he said.
The Congress also linked the price rise to global geopolitical developments, including tensions involving Iran, arguing that the government had time to cushion the impact.
“In the three months since the Iran conflict began, the government should have prepared a solid plan to shield ordinary Indians from price shocks instead of passing on the burden,” he added.
The latest LPG price revision comes amid fluctuating global energy markets, which continue to influence domestic fuel pricing and fuel ongoing political debate over subsidies and cost-sharing between the government and consumers.