On May 1, the Communist Party of India (CPI) condemned the unprecedented increase of ₹993 in commercial LPG cylinder prices, which now costs over ₹3,100 in Delhi. This hike, the steepest on record, is attributed to rising global energy prices linked to ongoing conflicts in West Asia. CPI general secretary D Raja expressed concerns that this increase will have immediate repercussions for small businesses, eateries, and hostels, leading to higher food prices and living costs for ordinary citizens. The CPI criticized the timing of the announcement, which came just two days after the conclusion of assembly elections in several states, particularly in West Bengal on April 29. Raja stated that this move shifts the financial burden onto the public, highlighting the government's failure to protect national interests during a challenging global situation. CPI Rajya Sabha MP P Sandosh Kumar echoed these sentiments, linking the price hike to the government's foreign policy failures and warning that the burden would disproportionately affect small establishments across the country. Both leaders vowed to oppose the price increase and demand a rollback, labeling it as deeply unjust and an 'anti-people' measure.