The Congress party on Monday launched a scathing attack on the central government after the prices of commercial LPG cylinders were increased by up to Rs 53.50, effective from June 1. The opposition party accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of burdening the public with escalating costs, coining the term 'Inflation Man Modi' to criticize the price revision.
Price Revision Details
The price of a 19-kg commercial LPG cylinder was raised across major metropolitan cities. In Delhi, the price increased by Rs 42, reaching Rs 3,113.50, while in Kolkata, the hike was steeper at Rs 53.50, bringing the cost to Rs 3,255.50. This revision applies specifically to commercial cylinders used by hotels, restaurants, and businesses. Notably, there has been no change in the prices of domestic cooking gas cylinders used in households.
Additionally, the price of a 5-kg Free Trade LPG (FTL) cylinder was increased by Rs 11, now costing Rs 821.50 in Delhi.
Congress's Allegations
The Congress party took to social media platform X to express its outrage, stating that commercial LPG prices have seen a sharp rise over the past five months. In a post, the party wrote, "'Inflation Man' Modi has cracked the whip again. Today, he hiked the commercial cylinder by Rs 53.50."
According to Congress, commercial LPG cylinder prices have increased by a cumulative Rs 1,571.50 since the beginning of the year. The party highlighted that the latest hike on June 1 follows successive increases in January, February, March, April, and May. The party alleged, "In just 5 months, the commercial cylinder has become about 1,572 rupees more expensive, and the year isn't even over yet. Modi's extraction continues."
In a separate post, Congress also criticized the increase in the price of 5-kg LPG cylinders, claiming that consumers had been encouraged to switch to smaller cylinders only to face higher prices later. The party wrote, "'Inflation Man' Modi has also made the 5 kg small LPG cylinder more expensive." Congress claimed that the price of the small cylinder had increased by a total of Rs 272 in the last month, adding, "First, 'Inflation Man' told the public to buy the small cylinder, then started the extortion."
Government's Position
The latest LPG price hike comes amid the Centre's review of India's fuel security strategy, prompted by supply disruptions linked to tensions in West Asia. The government has directed state-run oil marketing companies to work towards maintaining LPG reserves equivalent to at least 30 days of demand.
However, the Centre has maintained that there is no shortage of fuel in the country. Officials have stated that India has sufficient stocks of petrol, diesel, LPG, crude oil, and natural gas. Domestic refineries are operating at optimum levels, and LPG production remains at record highs.
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