Opposition parties are slamming Indian government over latest LPG price hike,arguing it adds to financial burden on households already hit by inflation. Price of 14.2-kg domestic LPG cylinder in Delhi jumped from Rs 913 to Rs 942 Saturday. That's an Rs 89 rise in four months. Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana beneficiaries still pay Rs 642 per cylinder with subsidy, but number of subsidized refills slashed from nine to four annually .
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge vented frustration at government's fuel price strategy,questioning PM Modi's past promises about diversifying fuel sources amid West Asia conflicts. On social media, he warned,"Soaring domestic LPG prices threaten to devastate the kitchens of the common people!" Kharge noted domestic LPG prices have risen by Rs 530 over 12 years, challenging BJP leaders to protest like they did before.
Ex-Union minister and NCP chief Sharad Pawar cautioned government about "political price" for frequent essential commodity hikes. He said initial increases might seem minor,but they stack up,hitting daily life hard. Pawar accused government of managing inflation with slow price shocks.
In Kerala, Opposition Leader Pinarayi Vijayan lashed out at LPG price hike,calling it a blow to households already grappling with rising costs. He demanded central government retract what he called "anti-people" move. Aaditya Thackeray of Shiv Sena (UBT) questioned government's claims of lower fuel prices compared to other countries,highlighting income disparity.
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) accused BJP-led government of using international conflicts, like USA-Israel and Iran tensions, to justify burdening citizens financially. Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema echoed this, saying relentless rise in fuel and essential commodity prices is making life harder.
Calls for immediate rollback of price hike came from Anbumani Ramadoss,PMK leader, who urged government and oil firms to absorb some international price hikes temporarily. But Union Minister Pralhad Joshi defended government's position, urging critics to consider global economic scene. He admitted sadness over rising gas prices but stressed serious global crises.
Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi blamed price surge on BJP's "weak leadership," citing lack of focus on financial state. BJP hit back, claiming Indian households still enjoy some of lowest LPG prices worldwide,even after nearly 46% international LPG price spike since February due to West Asia disruptions .
Government explained cost of supplying domestic LPG cylinder now tops Rs 1,600,following international price surge linked to West Asia conflict. Despite increase, domestic prices remain lower than in neighbors like Pakistan,Nepal,Bangladesh,and Sri Lanka,and much lower than in US,Australia,and Canada.
India's kept steady energy shipments through Strait of Hormuz, ensuring no LPG shortages. Government boosted domestic LPG production and diversified supply to ensure availability. It reiterated that while petroleum prices in India are influenced by global market trends,it continues to modulate consumer price for domestic LPG,allowing households to buy cylinders at Rs 942. But how long can this balance hold…
