Opposition Slams Government Over Steep Rise in Commercial LPG Prices Post-Elections

In a surprising move that has raised eyebrows across the political spectrum, opposition leaders have called out the central government for a significant hike in the prices of commercial liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders. This price surge comes just two days after the conclusion of assembly elections, leading many to suspect a correlation between the electoral process and rising inflation.

Effective immediately, the price for a 19-kg commercial LPG cylinder has been raised by ₹993, bringing the total cost to ₹3,071.5 in Delhi and ₹3,024 in Mumbai. This drastic increase follows a trend of escalating global energy prices, exacerbated by ongoing conflicts in West Asia, which have put additional pressure on domestic fuel costs.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi took to social media to express his concerns, asserting that he had foreseen this spike in inflation post-elections. He highlighted that this hike represents the largest single-day increase in prices, attributing the surge to what he terms the “bill for the elections.” Gandhi further pointed out that since February, the price of commercial LPG has surged by ₹1,380, amounting to a staggering 81% rise in just three months.

The ramifications of this price increase are expected to be widespread, affecting various sectors that rely heavily on commercial LPG, including tea stalls, hotels, bakeries, and sweet shops. Gandhi emphasized that this escalation would inevitably burden the common consumer, impacting food prices across the board. He warned, “The first strike was on gas, the next will be on petrol and diesel,” indicating a potential for further price hikes in essential commodities.

The opposition’s concerns reflect a broader unease about the rising cost of living in India, particularly in the wake of the recent elections. As political leaders rally against the government’s decisions, it remains to be seen how these price changes will influence public sentiment and the government’s standing in the wake of electoral outcomes.

Source: scroll.in