Senior Congress leader Kamal Nath criticized the recent increase in commercial LPG cylinder prices, urging the Central government to reduce taxes to ease the burden on consumers and small businesses. Prices of commercial LPG cylinders in Madhya Pradesh have surged by up to Rs 44, with Bhopal witnessing a price of Rs 3,116.50 and other cities like Indore, Jabalpur, Gwalior, and Ujjain also experiencing significant hikes. Nath accused the BJP-led government of fueling inflation through continuous price hikes in petrol, diesel, CNG, and LPG.
He emphasized that the escalating LPG prices, particularly during the wedding season with over 20,000 weddings expected in Madhya Pradesh by July, would escalate operational costs for hotels, caterers, and food vendors. Nath highlighted that reducing taxes rather than global fuel prices could offer immediate relief to consumers and businesses. He urged the government to alleviate the public’s financial strain by lowering taxes and addressing the inflationary pressures caused by the successive price hikes.
Small traders and food vendors, according to Nath, are the first to bear the brunt of commercial LPG price increases, eventually leading to elevated food costs for consumers. He stressed the need for the government to intervene to prevent further financial strain on businesses and individuals due to the rising LPG prices.
