Rahul Gandhi dubs LPG price surge ‘election bill’, Warns of wider inflation impact

Senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Friday intensified his attack on the Centre over the sharp rise in the prices of commercial LPG cylinders, alleging that the increase was a direct fallout of the recently-concluded elections. In a post on X, he said the surge in prices had validated his earlier warning about rising inflation.

The Centre on Thursday evening raised the price of commercial LPG cylinders by Rs 993 across India, amid global energy pressures and continued volatility in international fuel markets. The 19-kg commercial cylinder, widely used by hotels, restaurants, food stalls and other businesses, has become significantly more expensive following the latest revision. “I had said it earlier — after the elections, the heat of inflation would hit,” Gandhi said, describing the Rs 993 hike as “the biggest single-day increase” and calling it an “election bill” being passed on to citizens.

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Highlighting the cumulative rise, he pointed to a sharp escalation in prices over a short period. “Since February: an increase of Rs 1,380 — an 81% jump in just three months,” he added, underlining the pace of the increase.

Gandhi warned that the impact of the hike would be widespread, particularly for small businesses and daily consumers. “Tea sellers, dhabas, hotels, bakeries, halwais — every kitchen is under greater burden. And its impact will be felt on your plate too,” he said, suggesting that higher input costs would translate into increased food prices.

He also cautioned that the LPG price hike could signal further increases in fuel costs. “First the blow on gas, next will be on petrol and diesel,” he said, indicating that inflationary pressures may intensify in the coming days.

The remarks come amid heightened political sparring between the opposition and the government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi over inflation and cost-of-living concerns. The Centre has yet to respond to Gandhi’s latest criticism, though it has previously maintained that fluctuations in global energy markets significantly influence domestic fuel pricing.