In New Delhi, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has sharply criticized the Indian government's recent decision to raise commercial liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) prices by over ₹900, making the cost of a cylinder ₹993 more expensive. He described this hike as an 'electoral bill,' coinciding with the conclusion of recent assembly elections. Gandhi warned that this could be a precursor to further increases in petrol and diesel prices, highlighting the financial strain on small businesses and households. Since February, the price of commercial LPG has surged by ₹1,380, marking an astonishing 81% increase in just three months. The All India Congress Committee (AICC) general secretary, KC Venugopal, echoed these concerns, stating that this hike will adversely affect millions of Indians who depend on small eateries for food. He criticized the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for failing to implement protective measures against such price shocks, especially in light of recent global events like the Iran war.