Rahul Gandhi on Friday denounced the high increase in commercial prices of LPG saying that there might be more increases in the fuel prices in the days to come. His comments followed a sharp rise of 993 in commercial liquefied petroleum gas cylinders, during the global energy shocks that were associated with the war that was going on in West Asia.
A 19-kg commercial cylinder of LPG is currently selling at ₹3,071.50, the highest increase of a single day in its history. There is also a massive increase in smaller five-kg free trade LPG cylinders, which have increased by 549 to 810.50. This makes their price similar to the 14.2-kg domestic LPG cylinder which is still selling at ₹913.
In response to the development, Rahul Gandhi alleged that the increase is indicative of the increased burden of inflation on the ordinary citizens, especially the small businesses, including tea stalls, dhabas, bakeries and restaurants, which consume a lot of commercial gas. He observed that LPG has gone up by almost 1380 since the month of February, or 81% in three months only.
Gandhi, calling it an election bill, claimed that the effects of inflation are being felt more keenly after elections and had given warning that it might be followed by an increase in petrol and diesel charges. His remarks underscore rising political alarm at the increasing price of basic commodities.
In the meantime, Indian Oil Corporation made it clear that petrol, diesel and domestic LPG cylinder prices have not yet been increased, saying that it is trying to protect household customers by absorbing the effects of volatile international fuel prices.