New Delhi: The Union Cabinet on Tuesday approved a reduction in the price of cooking gas (LPG) cylinders by ₹200 per cylinder. The decision comes amid rising inflation and ahead of the upcoming assembly elections in five states.
The price of a 14.2-kg LPG cylinder will now be ₹900 in Delhi, down from ₹1,100. The price reduction will be effective from Wednesday, September 1.
The government has also announced a free LPG connection to 75 lakh women under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY). This will bring the total number of beneficiaries under the scheme to over 100 crore.
The price of cooking gas has been on the rise in recent months, due to a number of factors, including the increase in crude oil prices and the depreciation of the rupee. The latest price reduction is expected to provide relief to households, especially those in the lower-income groups.
The government has said that the price reduction is being done to help people cope with the rising cost of living. It has also said that it will continue to monitor the situation and take further measures if necessary.
The decision to slash cooking gas prices is likely to be welcomed by the public, especially ahead of the upcoming elections. It is also likely to boost the popularity of the government.
However, some experts have questioned the timing of the decision, arguing that it could be seen as an election gimmick. They have also pointed out that the price reduction will only be temporary, as the underlying factors that have led to the rise in cooking gas prices are still present.