The Communist Party of India (Marxist) on Saturday sharply criticised the steep hike in prices of commercial LPG cylinders and 5 kg non-subsidised cylinders, cautioning that the move could trigger inflationary pressures, hurt employment and deepen distress among vulnerable sections.
In a press statement, the party’s politburo termed the nearly Rs 1,000 increase in commercial cylinder prices as “unprecedented” and warned that businesses would inevitably transfer the additional cost to consumers.
“Commercial establishments are bound to pass on the liability to the consumers, adding to their burdens and inflation,” it said, adding that several small businesses might be pushed to shut down, resulting in layoffs and job losses.
The CPI(M) also took strong exception to the Rs 261 hike in 5 kg non-subsidised cylinders, stating that it would disproportionately affect poorer households and migrant workers.
“This cruel hike for the 5 kg cylinders will most adversely impact small households and migrant workers, who use them due to their inability to afford the 14 kg cylinders,” the statement said.
While noting that prices of 14 kg domestic cylinders have remained unchanged “for the time being,” the party argued that the increase comes at a time when essential commodity prices are already rising.
It claimed that many migrant workers had begun returning to their villages due to escalating costs and shortages of cooking gas, warning that the latest hike could accelerate this trend. “Now with this harsh increase, more numbers will be forced to head back home,” it added.
Alleging that this is the second major increase in commercial LPG cylinder prices within two months, the party accused the Government of India led by Narendra Modi of maintaining an anti-poor stance by not reducing taxes on cylinders, which it said could have provided relief to consumers.
The CPI(M) demanded an immediate rollback of the price hike and called upon its units nationwide to organise protests, framing the issue as part of a larger fight against rising living costs and economic hardship.