Opposition Criticizes Record LPG Price Hike Amid Global Energy Surge
Opposition slams steep LPG hike; govt cites global energy price surge
Business Standard
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The Indian government has raised the price of commercial liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders by ₹933, the largest increase to date, now costing ₹3,071.50 in Delhi. Opposition leaders, including Congress's Rahul Gandhi and Tamil Nadu's Chief Minister M K Stalin, condemned the hike, linking it to rising global energy prices and warning of its impact on food costs and small businesses.
- 01The price of commercial LPG cylinders has increased by ₹933, reaching ₹3,071.50 in Delhi.
- 02Opposition leaders criticize the government for not passing benefits from previous crude oil price drops.
- 03The hike is attributed to rising global energy prices due to geopolitical tensions in West Asia.
- 04A statewide protest by the Kerala Hotel and Restaurant Association is planned in response to the price increase.
- 05Rahul Gandhi warns that further hikes in petrol and diesel prices may follow after elections.
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On Friday, the Indian government announced a record ₹933 increase in the price of commercial liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders, bringing the total cost to ₹3,071.50 in Delhi. This marks the steepest hike ever, following two previous increases in March and April. Opposition parties, including Congress and the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), have criticized the government for this decision, arguing it will burden millions of Indians by raising food prices and harming small businesses like eateries and restaurants. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi labeled the hike an 'election bill' and noted that it has resulted in an 81% increase over three months, totaling ₹1,380. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin demanded a rollback, while Union Minister Suresh Gopi justified the increase by citing rising global energy prices linked to the conflict in West Asia. The Kerala Hotel and Restaurant Association plans to protest against the price hike, and Gandhi warned of potential future increases in petrol and diesel prices following the upcoming Assembly elections.
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The steep increase in LPG prices will likely lead to higher food costs for consumers and could threaten the viability of small eateries and restaurants, impacting local economies.
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