The left party said many small businesses could shut down, leading to job losses
NEW DELHI — A fresh hike in LPG cylinder prices has triggered sharp political reactions, with opposition parties accusing the government led by Narendra Modi of burdening common citizens soon after the conclusion of the recent assembly elections.
The Polit Bureau of the Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) on Sunday strongly condemned what it described as a “steep and unprecedented” increase in the prices of commercial LPG cylinders, warning of a cascading impact on inflation and livelihoods.
In a statement, the party said the nearly ₹1,000 hike in commercial cylinder rates would force restaurants, small eateries and other establishments to pass on the increased costs to consumers. “This will add to inflationary pressures at a time when essential commodities are already becoming costlier,” the CPI(M) said, cautioning that many small businesses could shut down, leading to job losses.
While the government has not yet increased the prices of 14 kg domestic LPG cylinders, the CPI(M) flagged a sharp ₹261 hike in 5 kg non-subsidised cylinders. It argued that the increase would disproportionately hit economically weaker households and migrant workers who rely on smaller cylinders due to affordability constraints.
“The cruel hike in 5 kg cylinders will most adversely impact small households and migrant workers,” the statement said, adding that rising fuel costs were already forcing many workers to return to their native villages.
The Left party also alleged that this was the second significant increase in commercial LPG prices in the past two months, accusing the government of maintaining high tax revenues at the expense of the poor. “The refusal to reduce taxes on LPG exposes the anti-poor bias of the government,” it said.
Media reports stated that oil companies earned Rs 116 crores daily as profit in the last financial year.
Calling for an immediate rollback, the CPI(M) urged its cadres across the country to organise protests against the price rise. Other opposition parties are also expected to take up the issue, intensifying pressure on the Centre over rising living costs.
The latest price revision has reignited concerns over inflation and affordability, with political reactions indicating that fuel pricing could emerge as a key flashpoint in the coming weeks.
