Criticism Grows Over Recent Domestic Gas Price Increase in India

Some Indian Ministers and leaders from the Congress party have sharply criticised the Union government following a recent increase in the price of domestic gas cylinders. The hike has particularly drawn ire for disproportionately affecting the poor and middle-class households.

Minister Yathindra Siddaramaiah stated that the Union government demonstrates a lack of concern for the average citizen. "It is clear that the Modi government does not care about the people. The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government has repeatedly raised fuel and gas cylinder prices without considering the suffering it causes," he remarked during a press briefing in Vijayapura on Sunday. He pointed out that while the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) attributes these price hikes to international market fluctuations, it failed to reduce prices when international crude oil rates were low.

Siddaramaiah argued that the BJP's continued price increases indicate a disregard for the economic burden on citizens. He referenced the Congress-led government, claiming, "When the Congress was in power, we ensured measures were in place, including government bonds, to alleviate the financial burden on the populace. The current price hikes will undoubtedly impact ordinary families and the nation's economy."

Minister Eshwar Khandre expressed his frustration over the recent rise in the cost of a 14.2 kg domestic gas cylinder by ₹29. This marks the second increase in the past three months, compounding the financial strain on lower-income households. Khandre accused the Central government of mismanagement, questioning the silence of BJP leaders who previously protested minor price increases under the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government.

"Why are they silent now? Their previous concern for the poor has vanished," Khandre commented.

Former Minister Lakshmi Hebbalkar also weighed in, condemning the decision to raise cooking gas prices at a time when the cost of essential commodities continues to rise. "This hike adds further financial strain on middle-class families, the poor, and housewives," she stated. Hebbalkar highlighted the direct impact of gas price increases on household budgets, particularly those managed by women, saying, "These measures are harmful to the average family, especially when they are already struggling with rising petrol and diesel costs."

Additionally, she noted that the previous increase in commercial gas cylinder prices had led to higher prices at eateries and cafes, compounding the challenges faced by the average consumer. Hebbalkar called for immediate action from the Central government to reverse the price increase and alleviate the burden on ordinary families.

The backlash from Congress leaders reflects broader dissatisfaction with the government’s current economic policies, as public sentiment increasingly focuses on the implications of rising living costs during challenging times.