The latest increase in LPG cylinder prices has triggered sharp political reactions and concern among households, with opposition leaders warning that the move will add to the financial pressure on families already dealing with rising living costs.
State-owned oil marketing companies on Saturday raised the price of domestic LPG cylinders by Rs 60 and commercial cylinders by Rs 114.5, citing global energy pressures linked to tensions in the Middle East.
The revision has quickly turned into a political flashpoint, with leaders from the ruling party and the opposition offering sharply different views on the price rise.
BJP calls hike ‘nominal’, opposition flags inflation burden
BJP MP Praveen Khandelwal defended the increase, saying it should be seen in the context of rising global energy prices.
“The increase in the price is very nominal according to the price inflation index… The prices of energy are increasing in the entire world… It is the opposition’s job to create noise,” he said.
Opposition leaders, however, criticised the move, arguing that it will deepen the burden on households.
Congress leader Akhilesh Prasad Singh said the government must take note of the impact on ordinary citizens.
“This is definitely a matter of concern. There is already a lot of inflation and if the prices have increased now, the burden on the public will increase further. The government should be concerned and look into this.”
Another Congress leader, Udit Raj, also questioned the development.
“Till yesterday, there was news that there is no LPG crisis here. Then how did the prices increase?… People have become blind followers…”
Households say expenses becoming harder to manage
Many consumers said the latest hike would make managing household budgets more difficult.
A housewife in Guwahati said middle-class families will feel the impact immediately.
“I am a housewife from a middle-class family… Suddenly, we got to know that the price of LPG has increased by Rs 60 for domestic and Rs 115 for commercial… My husband is the only working person in our family… This will be very difficult for middle-class families.”
A resident in Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh, also expressed concern about rising costs.
“I went to get the cylinder. Rs 60 have increased… The expenses will be more than the income if there is inflation.”
In Delhi, a resident named Anita said the increase will add to everyday struggles.
“How will we continue to live in Delhi if the price is increased?… Our cylinder does not last for a month… We have to face a lot of problems…”