The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) criticized the Opposition for opposing the recent LPG price revision, emphasizing that Indian households still enjoy some of the world’s lowest cooking gas prices. Despite a Rs 29 increase per cylinder, the BJP highlighted that global energy costs have pressured state-owned oil companies, leading to the hike.
Amit Malviya, BJP IT cell chief, pointed out that even with the hike, Indian consumers benefit from significantly lower LPG prices compared to neighboring countries and developed nations. He noted that under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY), beneficiaries pay an effective Rs 642 for a 14.2 kg cylinder, while the general customer pays Rs 942, well below the market-linked cost.
Malviya presented data showing that India’s LPG prices are lower than those in countries like Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, the US, Australia, and Canada. He explained that despite a 46% surge in global LPG prices due to disruptions in West Asia and the Strait of Hormuz, the government has shielded consumers from the full impact of these increases.
The BJP leader highlighted that the government has absorbed significant under-recovery costs on domestic LPG, amounting to nearly Rs 60,000 crore. He emphasized that Ujjwala beneficiaries continue to receive direct subsidies, benefiting over 10.58 crore families, and that despite global energy market volatility, India has ensured uninterrupted LPG supplies and kept prices affordable.
