Thrissur: The sharp hike in cooking gas prices immediately after Assembly elections in five states has triggered fresh controversy, with Union Minister Suresh Gopi stepping in to defend the move even as public anger grows over the timing and scale of the increase.
Responding to criticism, the minister argued that fuel prices have risen globally and claimed that India had managed to hold rates for a considerable period compared to other countries. However, he avoided giving a clear response when questioned about a possible increase in petrol and diesel prices, further fuelling concerns about a broader fuel price surge.
The latest revision has seen a steep jump in commercial LPG cylinder prices. A 19-kg cylinder has become significantly costlier, with the revised rate in Delhi now standing at ₹3,071.5. This marks a massive increase of over ₹1,500 within just four months, considering that the same cylinder was priced at ₹1,531.50 in December. Smaller 5-kg cylinders have also not been spared, with a sudden hike of ₹261. The increase comes amid heightened global tensions following joint military actions by the United States and Israel against Iran, making this the third hike in commercial cylinder prices since the escalation began.
The impact on the ground has been severe. Across the country, there have already been reports of LPG shortages, compounding the burden on businesses. In several states, rising costs and supply constraints have forced hotels and small establishments to shut down temporarily, while many migrant workers have reportedly begun returning to their hometowns due to the worsening situation.
With another price hike now in effect, fears are mounting that the crisis will deepen further, pushing up food prices and intensifying economic strain on both businesses and consumers, even as the government continues to justify the increases.